Purchasing - Central Purchasing

The Purchasing Agent, under supervision of the Purchasing Manager, is responsible for placing orders, expediting back orders for stock and nonstock equipment/parts. They are responsible for ordering stock and nonstock products. This includes processing requisitions, researching products, clarifying specifications, creating purchase orders, following up on back orders, selecting vendors, maintaining up-to-date product information files, assisting with setting authorization levels for central warehouse, branches, and trucks inventory. Job Duties: In this position you will research products and analyze alternative product lines to increase profitability while maintaining quality and submit alternative recommendations to the Purchasing Manager. You will also be responsible for assisting the Purchasing Manager with the auditing and processing of physical inventories for branches. You will work under the supervision of the Purchasing Manager and will operate standard office equipment. You will normally be the Purchasing Department, although he or she will periodically be in other departments such as the central warehouse to assist with vendor issues or discrepancies. Processes requisitions for supplies, researches products, clarifies specifications, and documents competitive bidding, create/document purchase orders. Follows up on back orders, expedites delivery of orders, and makes special arrangements for delivery; communicates to the department the expected delivery date and maintain/update all existing orders with any revisions necessary. Researches and selects vendors in given circumstances, evaluates vendor performance, utilizes different vendor sources to fill orders as directed. Maintains an up-to-date filing system on pricing and vendors to ensure immediate and accurate access to information. Notifies and distributes pricing updates to sales force. Searches out alternate vendors or supplies during periods of shortages or stock outs. Setup and Maintain parts, parts descriptions and pricing in SAP. Minimum Qualifications: Two years' experience as a buyer or any combination of experience, education, or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skill, and ability required Knowledge of basic typing skills with emphasis on accuracy and legal aspects of purchasing Ability to communicate effectively with sales representatives and all personnel by telephone, in person, or through written communication; assimilate information and make decisions Ability to work under time constraints in a detailed, organized manner Experience with Word, Excel, Outlook required SAP experience is a plus