Purchasing Agent

Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC•Monroe, OH

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 Purchasing Agent also supports the Materials Manager in material management, reporting, audits, and continuous improvement activities.

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.

Responsibilities

Purchase raw materials in alignment with production schedules and MRP requirements; determine order quantities and ensure timely delivery.
Expedite material deliveries and communicate delays or issues that may affect the shop floor.
Manage inventory levels, including reducing excess, slow-moving, and obsolete materials; maintain accurate records through cycle counts and physical inventories.
Correct inventory 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 and coordinate returns and chargebacks for defective materials.
Develop and support purchasing policies that promote timely supplier deliveries; monitor supplier performance and pursue the lowest total cost across 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 and 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 and ensure key purchasing and inventory metrics are met.
Identify and support continuous improvement opportunities across purchasing and inventory processes.
Coordinate with Plant Management, Sales, Accounting, Shipping, Receiving, Product Analysts, and other internal stakeholders.
Assist with audits and physical inventory activities and perform other role-related duties assigned by the Materials Manager.
Maintain awareness of industry trends and best practices; participate in training on manufacturing processes, safety, and PPE requirements.
Demonstrate a continuous improvement and customer-focused mindset.