The Purchasing Agent plays a critical role in our organization by utilizing Material Requirements Planning software to forecast and manage inventory levels efficiently. This role involves monitoring materials, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring the timely availability of goods to support production or operational needs. The purchasing agent will be responsible for analyzing procurement data, optimizing our network inventory, and ensuring the efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and materials. (This is meant to be a guide. Duties may vary dependent upon management.)

Essential Position Functions:

• Purchase and maintain adequate inventory levels at multiple warehouses throughout the Southeast.
• Leverage available reporting to determine purchasing needs while optimizing containerloads, truckloads, or LTL's based on supplier requirements.
• Balance necessary inventory and freight minimums for cost-effective decision making.
• Work in conjunction with the Supply Chain Analytics team to support demand planning and enhance forecast accuracy. Convey changes in demand as received from internal stakeholders.
• Identify urgent supply needs and act where necessary to avoid stockouts. Maintain customer service levels as determined by leadership.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials to the distribution centers.
• Evaluate supplier performance and participate in supplier reviews as necessary.
• Communicate with branch operations regarding urgent deliveries, receiving discrepancies, and damages; work with necessary parties to resolve issues.
• Analyze inventory turns; identify and execute upon opportunities for improvement. Leverage regional operational network to transfer inventory when needed.
• In partnership with Accounts Payable, review supplier invoices with deviations and work with suppliers and/or branches to resolve. Ensure prompt pay discounts are being achieved through timely invoice resolution.
• Address past due warehouse and drop ship purchase orders and transfers. Communicate supplier backorders to necessary parties throughout the organization and suggest alternative products where available.
• Work with Master Data Management on item attribute changes or updates to maintain data accuracy and integrity.
• Analyze purchasing data to identify trends, opportunities for cost reduction, and areas for process improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or purchasing is required; experience in a distribution or logistics environment preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of sourcing strategies, contract terms, and supplier relationship management.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices, industry trends, and regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Must be able to read and communicate in English, for safe and effective performance of the job and business operations.
• Must be able to work alone, and with a team.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.

Work Environment:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to walk and stand continuously for long periods of time.
• Talk or hear, both in person and by telephone.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Repetitive bending, twisting.
• Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Lift up to 25 lbs.

Mental Demands

• Regularly required to use written and oral communication skills.
• Will interact regularly with managers and staff.
• Must be able to work independently with little supervision.

Work Environment

• Employees work primarily in an office environment, and the noise level is typically quiet.