Purchasing Agent

Hatzel & Buehler Inc•Whitehall, OH

41d•$75,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for duties relating to the ordering of materials, services, and supplies for the Company. Under the direction of the Branch Manager, this role may include identifying suppliers, comparing prices, specifications, terms, inventory control, and delivery to determine the optimum choice to utilize.

Requirements

Proven experience as a Purchasing Agent or in a similar procurement role, with experience with strategic sourcing, and inventory control.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in purchasing software, inventory management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to purchasing functions.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a focus on achieving company objectives.

Nice To Haves

Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Purchasing Professional) are a plus.

Responsibilities

Monitor and evaluate suppliers based on criteria such as price, quality, selection, service, support, reliability, and distribution capabilities.
Prepare, maintain, and review purchasing records, produce reports, and track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Work closely with the accounting team on contractor charges, cost of orders, and ensure accurate coding to appropriate accounts for final approval.
Regulate the inventory system to monitor levels of standard stock materials, ensuring cost-effective inventory management and avoiding overstock or stockouts.
Aggressively evaluate and analyze purchasing trends to forecast demand, minimize overall costs, and improve procurement efficiency.
Coordinate and administer material returns, credits, and refusals processes, handling all related activities proficiently.
Partner with the project team to communicate any business developments that might affect the company and make recommendations regarding those developments, along with processing submittals and maintaining submittal logs.
Quickly resolve all purchasing, rental, pricing, and miscellaneous issues as they arise, providing support to field personnel and ensuring smooth operations.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure favorable pricing, timely delivery, and high-quality materials.
Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and internet sites. Consult with department personnel to locate goods and services that meet company needs.