POSITION SUMMARYThe Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing assigned suppliers and materials to ensure raw materials, components, and supplies are available to support production and customer demand.This position requires a proactive, organized, and independent approach to purchasing. The Purchasing Agent will review MRP requirements, manage purchase orders and supplier commitments, identify potential shortages, resolve issues, and communicate concerns before they affect production or customer shipments.The ideal candidate takes ownership of their responsibilities, follows through on open issues, and is comfortable making day-to-day purchasing decisions while keeping the Purchasing Manager informed of significant concerns.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESReview MRP-generated purchase suggestions and make purchasing decisions based on demand, inventory, open orders, lead times, and production requirements.Create and manage purchase orders; monitor supplier commitments and expedite, reschedule, adjust, or cancel orders as requirements change.Proactively identify material shortages, late deliveries, and supply concerns and communicate issues to the appropriate departments.Work directly with suppliers to resolve delivery, quantity, pricing, quality, receiving, returns, and credit issues.Work with Accounting to research and resolve invoice and purchase order discrepancies.Source and evaluate suppliers, obtain quotations, negotiate pricing and terms, and identify cost-saving opportunities.Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, lead-time, and purchasing information within the ERP system.Use Excel, Google Sheets, and shared files through Microsoft SharePoint to review and maintain purchasing, inventory, and material information.Work closely with Production, Stockroom, Accounting, Sales, Engineering, and other departments regarding material availability and purchasing-related issues. QUALIFICATIONSMinimum 2+ years of purchasing experience; manufacturing experience strongly preferred.Experience working with an ERP/MRP system; Epicor experience is a plus.Working knowledge of MRP, inventory, purchase orders, supplier lead times, and material requirements.Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with Google Sheets and shared/collaborative files.Strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, and time-management skills.Ability to manage multiple suppliers and priorities with strong attention to detail and follow-through.Ability to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities, and recognize potential problems before they become urgent.Experience purchasing raw materials, fabricated components, hardware, or other production-related materials preferred.High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field is preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENTThis is a full-time, on-site position in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The Purchasing Agent must be comfortable managing changing priorities while maintaining accuracy and follow-through.