Purchasing Agent

Industrial Louvers Inc • Delano, MN

1d

About The Position

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, ordering, and managing materials required for production, including aluminum extrusions, sheet metal, hardware, and outsourced services. This role plays a critical part in maintaining production flow, controlling costs, and building strong supplier relationships.

Requirements

• 3+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience in manufacturing
• Experience with metal fabrication, aluminum, or construction-related materials strongly preferred
• Familiarity with ERP systems (MRP-driven purchasing required; Infor Visual experience a plus)
• Strong understanding of lead times, inventory management, and supply risk
• Ability to read basic drawings or understand material requirements from engineering
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proactive problem solver—anticipates issues before they happen
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, custom manufacturing environment
• Data-driven decision making

Nice To Haves

• Infor Visual experience a plus

Responsibilities

• Purchase raw materials (aluminum extrusions, sheet, fasteners, etc.) based on production schedules and demand
• Review MRP signals, job requirements, and forecasts to ensure timely ordering
• Maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete stock
• Expedite orders and manage supplier delivery performance
• Develop and maintain relationships with key vendors
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times
• Identify and qualify alternative suppliers to reduce risk
• Monitor supplier performance (quality, on-time delivery, responsiveness)
• Track material cost trends and identify savings opportunities
• Support quoting process with accurate material pricing
• Implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality
• Work closely with production, engineering, and scheduling teams
• Communicate material shortages, delays, and risks proactively
• Support new product launches and custom project requirements
• Maintain accurate purchasing data in ERP system
• Track open orders, inventory levels, and supplier metrics
• Generate reports on purchasing performance and cost trends

Benefits

• Health, dental, disability, vision, accident, and critical illness insurance
• PTO, Paid Holidays, Paid Volunteer Hours
• 401(k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees