Purchasing Agent

Edmund Optics•Barrington, NJ

About The Position

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for reading, interpreting and acting upon RFQs (Request for Quotation) and interpreting requirements for procuring advanced manufacturing products, managing purchase orders in SAP, and optimizing stock levels while ensuring supplier performance. They monitor supplier activity, expedite orders, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate master data. Additionally, they analyze supplier quotations, recommend sourcing options, and support RFQ activities with Engineering, Program Managers and Product Line Managers, all while enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Requirements

Purchasing experience in a Tier1 ERP system environment, (SAP Hana preferred)
Proficient in cultivating productive relationships with suppliers to obtain the best programs/prices available
Organizational skills with attention to detail required and ability to manage multiple suppliers and order simultaneously
Able to recognize market fluctuations and identify appropriate/advantageous buying opportunities
Strong problem-solving skills within fast paced environment/industry
Judgement and decision-making skills
Communication skills – Ability to effectively communicate via email, phone and in face to face situations
Strong Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, Outlook
Math skills – Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations such as profit margins, ROI, net-spend, savings percentage, exchange rates.
Autonomous, accountable, and willing to learn and expand their knowledge and influence
U.S. Citizenship or permanent residence required
SAP purchasing or production control experience required
4 -10 years of experience in procurement, production management, inventory management or a related discipline

Nice To Haves

SAP Hana experience preferred

Responsibilities

Place POs in SAP according to MRP and best business practices
Consider and maintain SAP/ERP settings that will optimize EO profitability while controlling stock levels to budget and meeting service goals
Administrator of Product/Supplier Information Record (spreadsheet/dashboard) for internal use by all disciplines for “all things” supplier activity (price adjustments, lead times, market sensitivities, supply chain challenges, etc.).
Understand and negotiate multi-release and complex delivery date orders
Update & manually maintain supplier confirmations of several hundred items simultaneously
Monitor suppliers and open orders to ensure zero past due purchase orders and minimal customer back orders
Keep open Expedite Tickets (internal EO tool) well documented and up to date
Contact suppliers for expedites and past due purchase orders to ensure constant supply of goods
Update purchase orders with all relevant information from suppliers – including order confirmations and shipping notifications
Follow up with suppliers and EO sales on unconfirmed purchase orders
Contact suppliers with any receiving discrepancies as advised by EOB Receiving Dept.
Contact suppliers for RMAs as advised by EOB QA Dept.
Keep Master Data accurate in SAP. Master data includes: Planned delivery time, Special Procurement Key, Purchasing Info Records (PIR), Quality Info Records (QIR), Source List, and Vendor Master contact information.
As needed, analyze quotations received from suppliers on the source list or those suppliers recommended by other Purchasing Agents and Strategic Sourcing
Recommend sources of supply based on capabilities of EO’s current vendors and assist in finding new sources when current approved vendor list is lacking the capability or capacity
Support RFQ activity as needed
Make recommendations for policy or procedural changes
Create reports and pivot tables, analyze data as needed to complete tasks at hand
Assist Supply Chain Leadership as needed
Additional projects as needed
Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations