The Purchasing Agent is responsible for duties relating to the ordering of materials, services, and supplies for the Company. Under the direction of the Branch Manager, this role may include identifying suppliers, comparing prices, specifications, terms, inventory control, and delivery to determine the optimum choice to utilize.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supplier Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate suppliers based on criteria such as price, quality, selection, service, support, reliability, and distribution capabilities.
- Record Keeping: Prepare, maintain, and review purchasing records, produce reports, and track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Collaboration with Accounting: Work closely with the accounting team on contractor charges, cost of orders, and ensure accurate coding to appropriate accounts for final approval.
- Inventory Regulation: Regulate the inventory system to monitor levels of standard stock materials, ensuring cost-effective inventory management and avoiding overstock or stockouts.
- Trend Analysis: Aggressively evaluate and analyze purchasing trends to forecast demand, minimize overall costs, and improve procurement efficiency.
- Material Returns and Credits: Coordinate and administer material returns, credits, and refusals processes, handling all related activities proficiently.
- Project Coordination: Partner with the project team to communicate any business developments that might affect the company and make recommendations regarding those developments.
- Issue Resolution: Quickly resolve all purchasing, rental, pricing, and miscellaneous issues as they arise, providing support to field personnel and ensuring smooth operations.
- Supplier Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure favorable pricing, timely delivery, and high-quality materials.
- Market Research: Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and internet sites. Consult with department personnel to locate goods and services that meet company needs.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Proven experience as a Purchasing Agent or in a similar procurement role, with experience with strategic sourcing, and inventory control.
- Skills: Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in purchasing software, inventory management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Education: Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Purchasing Professional) are a plus.
- Attributes: Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to purchasing functions. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a focus on achieving company objectives.
Equal Employment Opportunity
HATZEL & BUEHLER provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HATZEL & BUEHLER complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. HATZEL & BUEHLER expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of HATZEL & BUEHLER’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.