JOB TITLE:        PURCHASING AGENT
REPORTS TO:   PURCHASING MANAGER

SUMMARY:  Coordinates activities involved with procuring goods and services such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts, and supplies for organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Reviews requisitions.  Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.
• Prepares purchase orders and sends copy to supplier and department originating request.
• Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or Quality Assurance Department, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action.
• Searches inventory records or warehouse to determine if material on hand is in sufficient quantity.
• Consults catalogs and interviews suppliers to obtain prices and specifications.
• Confers with suppliers concerning late deliveries.
• Verifies bills from suppliers with bids and purchase orders and approves bills for payment.
• Expedites delivery of goods to users.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:  Creative problem solving abilities; able to become product knowledgeable in a timely fashion; speak effectively to vendors; ability to work under pressure in a detailed organized manner; knowledge of purchasing procedures; and proficient with Microsoft Excel and Word; international sourcing knowledge a plus.