Purchasing Agent

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Inc.•Salem, AR

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Directs the procurement process by effectively and efficiently executing the quote process and the purchase order process to ensure that the needs of all NAEC & NEXT departments are met. Ensures all inventory supplies meet required specifications as well as delivery dates.

Requirements

High school diploma and five to seven years related work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) required
Experience in warehouse, materials management supervision or related field.
Working knowledge of accounting functions and inventory control is required.
Must be able to acquire within a reasonable time an in-depth knowledge of RUS Materials Specifications.
Must be able to develop excellent negotiation skills in order to obtain high quality at fair prices.
Must be able to work accurately with large volumes of figures and calculations.
Ability to write/complete complex reports.
Computer literate with working knowledge of word processing, databases and spreadsheets.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, customers and the general public.
Ability to solve problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Ability to interact with customers and other employees in a courteous and proper manner.
Ability to project a favorable image for the Cooperative.
Ability to plan work.
Should have good working knowledge of all Cooperative policies and procedures and Service Rules and Regulations and Rates.
Should be skilled in areas of planning, controlling, and scheduling functions and coordination with other department managers.
Must possess strong communications skills, an ability to deal effectively with people, extensive problem-solving capability, and good mediation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to accomplish a variety of projects simultaneously within established deadlines.
Must possess a current Arkansas driver’s license and have an insurable driving record.
Must be able to read instrument and computer outputs accurately.
Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

Establishes and maintains relationships with distributors of material and services to ensure the availability as needs arise.
Issues all purchase orders for goods and services.
Maintains purchasing records.
Encourages feedback from employees as to the workability of material and equipment for possible changes that need be made.
Coordinates the quoting and purchasing of equipment and material including but not limited to obtaining pricing, lead times, and availability.
Interviews and confers with vendors and manufacturing agents to obtain product or service information such as price availability and delivery schedule.
Coordinates Cooperative bidding process on materials, tools, vehicles and transformers.
Assists in the periodic and annual inventory of materials.
Assists accounting department in preparation for the annual audit.
Keeps informed of current developments in purchasing, fiber, and the electric utility industry through literature, vendor contacts, and communications with other utilities and conveys this information to the proper department managers to assure the quality and cost of materials and supplies being purchased provide the greatest benefit to the cooperative and its membership.
As assigned