Purchasing Agent

Lumbermen's•Byron Center, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring goods, materials, and services that support the organization’s operations. This position ensures that purchases are made cost-effectively, meet quality standards, and are delivered on schedule. Key responsibilities include evaluating suppliers, preparing and managing purchase orders, maintaining vendor relationships, and coordinating with internal departments to sustain appropriate inventory levels. The role requires strong negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills, along with attention to detail and compliance with company policies and procedures. Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, as it ensures reliable communication with vendors and timely execution of purchasing activities.

Requirements

1-3 years’ experience in purchasing and/or inventory control
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills with good negotiation tactics
High attention to detail and accuracy
Proactive approach and independence with the ability to take initiative
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong teamwork focus
Ability to effectively move between a variety of tasks

Nice To Haves

Certified Purchasing Professional or similar certification desired
Coursework in business, accounting/finance, or a related field desired
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Passion for working with numbers and other statistical data.
Highly organized
Ability to productively work through conflicts and foster relationships
Intermediate/advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook

Responsibilities

Living Out Lumbermen’s Culture – modeling Lumbermen’s core values.
Fostering Relationships – developing and fostering strong relationships both will fellow employee owners and vendor partners.
Managing Inventory Levels – placing purchase orders to ensure sufficient inventory to meet customer demand.
Process Verification – Confirming order acknowledgement details, maintaining accuracy of purchase orders, and monitoring fulfillment.
Problem Solving – Researching and implementing solutions as issues arise.
KPI Tracking – Maintaining vendor scorecards.
Fostering Teamwork – Performing other duties and offering support as needed.