Analysis Skills, Communication Skills, Establish Priorities, Follow Through, Government Regulations, Interpersonal Skills, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Negotiation Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Metrics, Request for Proposals (RFP), Requirements Management, Shipping/Receiving, Time Management, Writing Skills
Job Summary
The Purchasing Agent is an integral part of the organization’s procurement department. The Purchasing Agent coordinates the procurement/purchasing and distribution of materials, parts, equipment, and supplies for the organization.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Coordinates all activities related to procurement of a commodity beginning with intent to purchase through delivery.
- Analyzes the requirements of the commodity, including preliminary specifications, preferred supplier, and date commodity is needed.
- Solicits and evaluates proposals for the requested commodity.
- Investigates and/or interviews potential suppliers to determine if they meet the specified requirements.
- Advises team members or management on the appropriate supplier to be used.
- Negotiates the lowest possible cost for the commodity balanced against the optimum quality and schedule needs.
- Implements purchase contracts that comply with company and government regulations.
- Ensures that the commodity is delivered on schedule, at the negotiated price, and meets the quality standards of the company.
- Maintains timely control of orders, amendments, shipping notices, and other documents to ensure accurate retention of records.
- Coordinates appropriate methods needed to distribute commodity in a cost-effective manner.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent from four-year college; or2 to 4 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must have an aptitude for numbers and maintain a high degree of accuracy in all areas.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Must have ability to problem solve effectively.
- Ability to understand technical aspects of the components / materials in their portfolio
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively as needed
- Self-motivated, ability to initiate and follow tasks through to completion
- Must have the ability to multitask and prioritize projects.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft office/ Microsoft 365; including Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.
- Must be technically minded and able to quickly adapt to new software and programs
Where: Kalamazoo Location
Hours: 8:00-4:30
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics or status protected by applicable law.