Purchasing Agent

Encoder Products Company•Sagle, ID

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Purchasing Agents are responsible for sourcing and procuring materials, components, and supplies necessary to support manufacturing operations. This position manages supplier relationships, evaluates pricing and supplier performance, monitors inventory requirements and material availability, and works cross-functionally to resolve supply, quality, delivery, and cost issues. Purchasing Agents use purchasing data, forecasts, supplier information, and business requirements to make purchasing recommendations and decisions that support production needs, inventory objectives, quality requirements, and company goals.

Requirements

Working knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, supplier management, inventory control and material planning principles
Proficiency with ERP/MRP system software and inventory management systems
Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, specifications, bill of material, budgets and applicable contract language
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze inventory, demand, cost, supplier and purchasing data
Ability to review purchasing, inventory, supplier and material status reports and identify discrepancies or issues
Ability to obtain and compare supplier pricing and communicate effectively with suppliers
Strong negotiation and supplier relationship-management skills
Strong communication skills both verbally and in writing; technical writing a plus
Ability to work professionally in a team environment and with other departmental teams
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and changing material requirements
Must be able to work independently with minimal direction and oversight
High proficiency in Microsoft Excel
High ethical standards
High attention to detail
Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible purchasing or procurement experience in an ERP/MRP environment required
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required
Sitting for long periods of time
Ability to perform computer-based work and other office functions for extended periods.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 10 pounds
Ability to access the manufacturing floor and/or stockroom as needed

Nice To Haves

electronics or technical industry strongly preferred
Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or related field preferred
Experience in motion control industrial purchasing preferred
Professional purchasing/procurement certification is a plus

Responsibilities

Assess and manage supply chain risks, including supplier capacity, lead times, availability, and continuity of supply
Build and maintain long-term, collaborative relationships with preferred suppliers
Source and procure raw materials, components, customized items, and supplies in accordance with company requirements
Solicit and evaluate supplier quotes, pricing, lead times, delivery terms and other commercial terms within established authority
Evaluate supplier performance based on cost, quality, delivery, service, capacity and other business requirements
Identify and evaluate qualified suppliers for new, specialized and difficult-to-source items
Evaluate cost-savings opportunities, develop recommendations, and presents findings to management
Evaluate forecasts, demand, lead times, usage and inventory data to maintain desired inventory levels
Prepare, issue, modify, and maintain purchase orders for timely delivery
Execute inventory replenishment requests
Monitor open purchase orders and proactively address past-due shortage, and maintain factory shortage report
Maintain and communicate factory shortage information
Work with Quality, Engineering, Production, and other teams to resolve material and supplier issues
Assist in the investigation of non-conforming materials and take corrective action
Assist in the reconciliation of receiving/invoicing/billing discrepancies
Coordinate the return of non-conforming material
Maintain procurement records, including ERP/MRP data and notations
Ensure purchasing activities comply with applicable company policies, contractual requirements, quality requirements, and established purchasing procedures
Other purchasing and supply-chain duties as assigned