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Title
Text copied to clipboard!Purchasing Agent
Description
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We are looking for a detail-oriented and strategically minded Purchasing Agent to join our procurement team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of purchasing to efficiently and cost-effectively support organizational operations. Your duties will include developing purchasing strategies, maintaining positive relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, ensuring the timely delivery of products and services, and managing inventory levels. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to work under pressure. You will play a critical role in ensuring that the procurement process runs smoothly, from identifying needs to placing orders and managing supplier relationships. Your goal will be to acquire supplies that are critical for the success of our business operations at the best possible price and quality. You'll need to stay current with market trends and continuously seek out new suppliers that can meet our quality standards and cost objectives. This position requires a high level of responsibility and accountability, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with other departments to understand their procurement needs.
Responsibilities
Text copied to clipboard!- Develop and implement purchasing strategies.
- Manage supplier relations and negotiate contracts, prices, timelines, etc.
- Maintain records of goods ordered and received.
- Evaluate the quality and reliability of suppliers.
- Coordinate with department heads to identify purchasing needs.
- Monitor and forecast upcoming levels of demand.
- Prepare and process purchase orders and requisitions.
- Manage inventory levels and order supplies and materials as needed.
- Ensure compliance with the company's policies and regulations.
- Attend trade shows and exhibitions to stay up-to-date with industry trends.
- Conduct market research to identify pricing trends.
- Evaluate offers from vendors and negotiate better prices.
- Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
- Craft negotiation strategies and close deals with optimal terms.
- Partner with stakeholders to ensure clear requirements documentation.
- Forecast price and market trends to identify changes in balance in buyer-supplier power.
- Perform cost and scenario analysis, and benchmarking.
- Assess, manage, and mitigate risks.
- Seek and partner with reliable vendors and suppliers.
- Determine quantity and timing of deliveries.
Requirements
Text copied to clipboard!- Proven working experience as a Purchasing Agent or in a similar role.
- Familiarity with sourcing and vendor management.
- A knack for negotiation and networking.
- Ability to gather and analyze data and to work with figures.
- Solid judgment along with decision-making skills.
- Strong leadership capabilities.
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field.
- Experience in collecting and analyzing data.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and purchasing software.
- Understanding of supply chain procedures.
- Logistical problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects.
- Strong ethical standards and integrity.
- Experience in a relevant industry is a plus.
- Certification in procurement or supply chain management preferred.
Potential interview questions
Text copied to clipboard!- What experience do you have in developing purchasing strategies?
- How do you manage relationships with difficult suppliers?
- Can you describe a time when you negotiated a significant discount with a supplier?
- How do you stay informed about market trends and product availability?
- What methods do you use to evaluate the reliability of suppliers?
- Describe a situation where you had to manage a supply chain disruption.
- How do you prioritize your tasks in a fast-paced environment?
- What software tools are you familiar with for purchase order processing?
- Can you explain your process for assessing the quality of received goods?
- How do you handle ethical dilemmas in purchasing?