Purchasing Agent

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Purchasing Agent researches, evaluates, and purchases products that meet the organization's needs for price, service, and quality across all branch locations. This role manages purchase order flow, inventory and stock levels, and supplier relationships to help the company meet or exceed its fill rate and inventory turn goals.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchase Order Management

• Researches, evaluates, and purchases products based on price, service, and quality that meet the needs of the organization
• Authorizes and processes purchase orders
• Reviews purchase orders for completeness and accuracy
• Prepares, processes, and expedites purchase orders for assigned product lines
• Processes order acknowledgements and manages the back-order report
• Performs detailed work related to purchasing with judgment, accuracy, confidentiality, and promptness

Inventory & Stock Management

• Maintains inventory records and purchasing control parameters
• Manages inventory in all branches so fill rate and inventory turn goals are met or exceeded
• Manages plans for stock levels
• Evaluates and minimizes surplus inventory levels
• Regularly reviews key performance indicators such as inventory turns, out-of-stocks, overstocks, and fill rates
• Arranges for returns and replacements when necessary

Supplier & Vendor Relations

• Maintains cooperative working relationships with suppliers to stay current with trends, technologies, products, and services
• Assists in negotiating contractual agreements with current and potential suppliers
• Resolves issues from purchased product with internal and external clients
• Considers customer demand, price, quality, availability, supplier lead time, market trends, company policy, and financial budgets when making purchasing decisions

Planning, Reporting & Systems

• Provides purchasing planning and control information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends
• Keeps accurate, updated product pricing files
• Coordinates with other departments within the organization to ensure projects are completed
• Assists with ERP maintenance and reporting
• Performs product maintenance as needed

Standards & Accountability

• Adhere to the rules and regulations as set forth in the Employee Handbook
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of buying experience preferred
• Familiar with modern purchasing methods, procedures, and specifications
• Working knowledge of Excel and the ability to work with various business software
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience partnering with vendors and suppliers
• Problem-solving expertise
• General knowledge of market demand fluctuations, seasonality, and government regulations
• Able to resolve discrepancies independently

BENEFITS

Eligible to enroll on the 1st of the month following 45 days of employment:

* Free Surgery & Imaging and Free Medications programs are subject to eligibility and program terms.

Additional duties may be assigned as needed. We are an equal opportunity employer.