PURCHASING AGENT

PCA•Gladstone, VA

46d•$78,000 - $98,000•Onsite

About The Position

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is a Fortune 500 company and an ideas and solutions provider. Our corrugated packaging business aims to be the leader in assisting customers with packaging, transporting, and displaying products. Our white paper business focuses on delivering Paper With Purpose through exceptional customer service and operational excellence. With approximately 15,000 team members across more than 100 U.S. locations, we are dedicated to meeting local customer needs. Our mission is to serve our customers today and tomorrow with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility. People • Customers • Trust We are seeking resumes for a Purchasing Agent at our Gladstone VA. Riverville Paper Mill. The Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring materials, equipment, supplies, and services at the lowest possible cost while meeting quality and service requirements to ensure the continuous operation of the Mill. This includes reviewing and processing requisitions, detailing specifications, obtaining quotations, analyzing proposals, negotiating, monitoring vendor quality, understanding vendor capabilities, and managing appropriate inventories. The Purchasing Agent is expected to review current processes and recommend improvements. The role involves managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, exercising judgment in prioritizing projects, and optimizing department resources for maximum return.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Business or Procurement experience required.
Strong project management experience with the ability to assess business needs and make solid recommendations regarding timelines, suppliers, contractors, and costs.
Excellent negotiation skills in supplier sourcing, vendor analysis, and program evaluation.
Solid working knowledge of computer systems including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Proven ability to learn AS 400 and purchasing software.
Strong listening, evaluating, and problem-solving skills. Ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple projects and/or requests concurrently.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle numerous details, deadlines, and requests.
Must be able to travel as necessary and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
Five (5) years’ previous work experience in an industrial and/or manufacturing environment, preferably in the purchasing department.
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) required.

Responsibilities

Responsible for quotation and bid requests and analysis, selection of primary and secondary vendors, purchase commitments, issuing purchase orders, writing contracts, and expediting the timely receipt of materials, equipment, and services to sustain the normal operation of the mill.
Become familiar with specific markets and work with various departments and vendors to obtain optimum value.
Develop and implement blanket purchase orders and contracts.
Monitor vendor performance and conduct annual vendor reviews and ensure they are continually improving to meet PCA’s quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
Act as a liaison to solve problems, facilitate communication, and negotiate strategic supply/service agreements to help reduce supplier base.
Supervise purchasing functions in absence of manager and be available for emergency calls.
Coordinate with accounts payable to ensure accurate and timely payment of vendor invoices.
Assist mill customers with keeping material inventory at optimum levels.
Demonstrate working knowledge of ISO 9002 principles.
Knowledge of applicable purchasing law.
Ability to achieve consistent, documented cost savings/reductions.
Implement and support corporate supply/service agreements to ensure optimal participation to the mill.
Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
Strive to continually strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers specifically supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service which involves doing what’s right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.

Benefits

Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
Paid Holidays.
Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Life insurance
AD&D coverage
Disability coverage
401k plan with pre-tax and Roth contribution options
Employer provided matching contributions for 401k