Purchasing - Central Purchasing

The Purchasing Agent, under supervision of the Purchasing Manager, is responsible for placing orders, expediting back orders for stock and nonstock equipment/parts.  They are responsible for ordering stock and nonstock products. This includes processing requisitions, researching products, clarifying specifications, creating purchase orders, following up on back orders, selecting vendors, maintaining up-to-date product information files, assisting with setting authorization levels for central warehouse, branches, and trucks inventory.  

Job Duties: 

• In this position you will research products and analyze alternative product lines to increase profitability while maintaining quality and submit alternative recommendations to the Purchasing Manager.
• You will also be responsible for assisting the Purchasing Manager with the auditing and processing of physical inventories for branches.
• You will work under the supervision of the Purchasing Manager and will operate standard office equipment.
• You will normally be the Purchasing Department, although he or she will periodically be in other departments such as the central warehouse to assist with vendor issues or discrepancies.
• Processes requisitions for supplies, researches products, clarifies specifications, and documents competitive bidding, create/document purchase orders.
• Follows up on back orders, expedites delivery of orders, and makes special arrangements for delivery; communicates to the department the expected delivery date and maintain/update all existing orders with any revisions necessary.
• Researches and selects vendors in given circumstances, evaluates vendor performance, utilizes different vendor sources to fill orders as directed.  
• Maintains an up-to-date filing system on pricing and vendors to ensure immediate and accurate access to information.  Notifies and distributes pricing updates to sales force.
• Searches out alternate vendors or supplies during periods of shortages or stock outs.
• Setup and Maintain parts, parts descriptions and pricing in SAP.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years' experience as a buyer or any combination of experience, education, or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skill, and ability required
• Knowledge of basic typing skills with emphasis on accuracy and legal aspects of purchasing
• Ability to communicate effectively with sales representatives and all personnel by telephone, in person, or through written communication; assimilate information and make decisions
• Ability to work under time constraints in a detailed, organized manner
• Experience with Word, Excel, Outlook required
• SAP experience is a plus