Purchasing Agent jobs in Manhattan, KS

Description

JOB SUMMARY 

This position reports to the Supply Chain Manager and performs various purchasing assignments to procure supplies and raw materials using a variety of tools within our ERP system. MRP, Kanban or customer orders. The purchasing agent role will follow established procedures and practices to contact vendors, obtain quotations, examine bids, place purchase orders, and expedite and monitor delivery under minimal direction for assigned materials. The purchasing agent will exercise informed judgment and build a solid understanding of materials and sources of supply. Analysis of data will be required to drive evaluation of opportunities of moderate scope. This position will also support quoting materials with our landed costs to our business units on an as needed basis working with our freight logistics manager to receive bids for freight. The successful candidate will show initiative and responsibility and be proactive, seeking possible solutions for issues before they arise.

  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Researching and comparing suppliers, goods, and services.
• Evaluating vendors based on price, reliability, capability, and previous history.
• Negotiating contracts and prices.
• Reviewing the quality of products.
• Purchasing products, services, and raw materials.
• Monitoring inventory levels and determining purchasing needs.
• Coordinating with Supply Chain Manager to maintain inventory levels.
• Tracking on-time performance for your supplier group.
• Issue requests for quotes/proposals (RFQ/RFP) and select the best sources consistent with cost, quality and delivery requirements.
• Tracking the status of orders and communicating any potential outages that can affect our production demands.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain Assistant on bulk container deliveries.
• Monitor aging inventory and make recommendations regarding usage. ·
• Work with our ERP system (Great Plains).
• Process inventory returns and vendor returns through Great Plains. 
• Assist in implementing changes to bill of material’s regarding component changes.
• Expediting and communicating progress of customer orders received from Customer Care. 
• Processing of Inventory Cycle Counts through Great Plains and Korber, identifying trends in variances, and working with production to reconcile and validate inventories before posting them.
• Ability to maintain a positive company image and brand.
• Ability to respond consistently with a high degree of initiative to resolve complex issues that may arise.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Back up for Supply Chain Assistant & Supply Chain Coordinator in their absence.
• Complete all assigned training courses.
• Contribute to a safe and environmentally secure work environment for yourself, your coworkers, and our customers by following established safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned, if qualified, to meet business demands.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must be able to effectively maintain communication/demeanor across functional departments to keep others informed of progress or changes in production. 
• Must be familiar with the products, processes, and concepts used in process manufacturing. 
• Must be familiar with quality controls in place to establish a high-quality product.
• Must have knowledge of safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment with different chemicals.
• Must have a well-rounded understanding of how ERP software functions in relation to supply and demand. 
• Must be self-motivated, dependable, and flexible to keep up with production demands. 
• Must be accurate and thorough with purchase order entry and follow up.
• Must be able to interact well with a variety of personalities within a production/manufacturing and office environment.
• Must be able to work under pressure and maintain accountability.
• Must display initiative and independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITION & ENVIRONMENT

Most of the time is spent in a typical office setting which would pose no hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions. Periodic trips to production and shipping require exposure to chemicals and manufacturing conditions. Minor amounts of dust and vapor may be encountered. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. The production area is not an air-conditioned environment but is equipped with adequate air flow handling equipment and ventilation system. Production area is heated during the winter months.

 TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Access, Outlook
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Great Plains ERP software
• 3CX phone system
• Vendor websites, apps, and other electronic tools
• Korber dashboard
• CRM
• IMSYS

EDUCATION – CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in business, or related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of procurement experience required.
• Contract manufacturing experience beneficial.
• Work experience in chemical manufacturing and fastener knowledge a plus.