Job summary
Platte River is looking for a Purchasing Agent responsible for procuring materials, supplies, spare parts, and services required to support organizational operations. This position manages purchasing activities, maintains appropriate inventory levels within assigned warehouse locations, and serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for purchasing and warehouse-related software systems. The Purchasing Agent works closely with the contract administration team regarding contract requirements, terms and conditions, and service procurements. This position also provides backup coverage for warehouse operations and other purchasing agents to ensure continuity of service and operational support.
This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid scheduling as this position is required to be onsite 100% of the time.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Models the mission, vision, values, and culture of the organization
Processes requisitions, purchases materials, follows up with vendors and requestors, and resolves problems that may arise during the procurement process
Locates vendors for materials, equipment, supplies, or services and works with them to determine product availability and terms of sales
Develops strategic alliances with vendors
Assists the material control specialist with warehouse activities which includes issues/receipts, shipping out materials, inventory cycle counts, lifting heavy materials and operating a forklift as needed
Arranges transportation for ordered materials
Maintains proper inventory levels for spare parts
Obtains quotes from vendors when required
Provides excellent customer service with internal and external partners to facilitate purchases
Monitors and research past due open purchase orders
Maintains relationships with carriers and monitors delivery schedules to and from the warehouse
Ensures the warehouse is clean and well organized, at all times, to facilitate daily operations and ensure safety
Collaborates with accounts payable department to resolve issues with invoices
Ensures timely processing of outgoing shipments
Supports warehouse activities, which include receiving, issue of items to requestors, shipment of materials, inventory cycle counts, and lifting materials and operating a forklift.
Serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for all purchasing and warehouse related software, including training of all such software
Other functions
Assists in certificate of insurance process and maintain vendor records including current W-9
Attends department and safety meetings and trainings
Performs other duties as assigned
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Working knowledge of work orders, requisitions, and purchase orders
Experience with purchasing negotiation (price, delivery, freight)
Experience with terms and conditions
Experience with certificates of insurance
Above average use of computers, Microsoft Office products and asset management software
Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
Ability to create and edit process documents
Ability to understand, learn, use, and train on the Oracle ERP system
Ability to use and train on all warehouse and purchasing software and processes
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers
Ability to maintain effective working relationships
Skilled at planning and organization
Experience with contract negotiation process if preferred
Qualifications
Required education and licenses
High School diploma, GED or equivalent
Required work experience
Two years of experience working as a purchasing clerk, purchasing agent, or similar role in purchasing
Experience working with purchasing software
Intermediate experience using all Microsoft office products
Ability to work more than 40 hours a week, when required
Preferred education, licenses and work experience
Three or more years…