Purchasing Agent

Serta Simmons•Monroe, LA

About The Position

The Purchasing Agent procures raw materials to support production in a just-in-time manufacturing environment. The role ensures material availability, inventory accuracy, supplier performance, and cost efficiency while working closely with internal teams to support plant operations. The position manages purchasing and inventory activities, coordinates with suppliers, maintains accurate financial and system records, reports on inventory and purchasing performance, and supports continuous improvement. The Purchasing Agent also assists the Materials Manager with material management, audits, and physical inventory activities, and performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to produce high-quality work in a fast-paced environment with urgent deadlines.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Effective internet-based research skills.
Strong attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset.
Demonstrate a continuous-improvement and customer-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

Purchase raw materials in alignment with production schedules and MRP requirements.
Determine order quantities and ensure timely delivery to meet production demands.
Expedite material deliveries and communicate delays or issues that affect the shop floor.
Manage inventory levels, including reducing excess, slow-moving, and obsolete materials.
Maintain accurate inventory records through cycle counts and physical inventories; correct discrepancies identified by the Material Specialist.
Follow up on purchase orders and resolve vendor-related issues.
Process vendor returns and resolve material-related issues.
Verify the quality and quantity of incoming materials, coordinating returns and chargebacks for defective materials.
Develop and support purchasing policies to promote timely supplier deliveries.
Monitor supplier performance and pursue the lowest total cost, considering price, quality, and service.
Collaborate with corporate purchasing and other plants to transfer or source materials cost-effectively.
Reconcile Accounts Payable invoices with receiving documentation.
Work with Accounting on system adjustments and vendor chargebacks.
Maintain organized electronic and hard-copy records for vendors, pricing, materials, purchase orders, and receiving reports.
Provide inventory reports and 5-Why analyses for SQDC boards.
Ensure purchasing and inventory metrics are met.
Identify and support continuous improvement opportunities in purchasing and inventory processes.
Coordinate with Plant Management, Sales, Accounting, Shipping, Receiving, Product Analysts, and other internal stakeholders.
Support the Materials Manager in material management, audits, and physical inventory activities.
Maintain awareness of industry trends and best practices.
Participate in training related to manufacturing processes, safety, and PPE requirements.
Perform other role-related duties as assigned by the Materials Manager.