Purchasing Agent

Tarter Gate Company, LLC • Dunnville, KY

35d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated, analytical, and relationship-driven Strategic Buyer / Procurement Specialist to join our team. This is a hands-on, on-site role that requires regular presence on the manufacturing floor to build strong operational partnerships and ensure materials flow seamlessly to support production.

This position is ideal for a procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, enjoys negotiating and solving complex supply challenges, and is eager to grow within an organization that values performance, development, and long-term career progression.

Requirements

• Experience working with ERP systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of MRP, supply chain management, production operations, and project engineering.
• Demonstrated success in negotiation, vendor management, and contract execution.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence across functions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure in a fast-paced production environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Self-starter mindset with a proactive, ownership-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research to identify and evaluate potential vendors, making informed procurement decisions that reduce cost and improve delivery performance.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with internal departments, vendors, and suppliers.
• Initiate RFQs and RFPs as required and obtain comparative pricing to support strategic sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate contracts and place purchase orders to secure the best pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Resolve supplier performance issues including late deliveries, shortages, rejected materials, and service-related concerns.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, finance, and leadership to identify purchasing needs, budget impacts, and solutions.
• Review material requirements and prepare purchase orders within the ERP system, ensuring accuracy of specifications and terms.
• Manage delivery schedules for large or blanket purchase orders to maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing cash outlay.
• Maintain comprehensive records of transactions, quotes, negotiations, contracts, and issue resolutions.
• Monitor vendor scorecards and proactively identify alternate or secondary sources when necessary.
• Authorize payments for resolved discrepant deliveries.
• Provide departmental backup support and complete additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• On-site role with direct impact on manufacturing performance and business results.
• Clear career growth pathways within a growing organization.
• Collaborative culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunity to work closely with operations and leadership teams to drive strategic supply initiatives.

What This Job Offers

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