Senior Purchasing Agent (Oakville, ON)

Media Resources Inc.; Oakville; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Purchasing Agent to lead the tactical procurement of commodities across multiple locations. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong analytical mindset and excellent negotiation skills to secure the best prices while fostering relationships with key suppliers. The successful candidate will guide inventory management and ensure that procurement aligns with sales demands. Join a dynamic team where your expertise in purchasing and logistics will drive success and innovation, making a significant impact on the organization’s operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in purchasing and inventory control.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field required.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of commodities and maintain inventory levels.
• Create reports on supplier performance and market trends.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical mindset

Supplier relationship management

Inventory control

Communication skills

Logistics knowledge

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management

MSc/MA in related field

Tools

MS Office

Purchasing software

Job description

• NOC Code: 12102 – Procurement and purchasing agents and officers

Location: Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON

Summary:

The Senior Purchasing Agent will be responsible for the tactical procurement of commodities for all MRI locations as well as providing assessments and creating reports related to suppliers and logistics, spotting trends with regards to needs, and providing recommendations to management. The successful incumbent is expected to provide guidance, support, and coaching to the Purchasing Order Admin. The Senior Purchasing Agent is required to coordinate efforts with other administration staff and management in order to maintain the appropriate level of inventory to meet sales demands. The ideal candidate will also have experience in supplier development and quality control processes with suppliers across the globe, utilizing expert knowledge to purchase goods at the most favorable price while simultaneously building and maintaining strategic relationships with key suppliers, providing unparalleled customer service to both internal and external clients.

The primary responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Create assessment reports and recommendations concerning risks, forecasts, scenarios, and other factors concerning the supply market.
• Provide research and input into the financial sourcing aspects of contracts.
• Manage various reporting tools to support operations and control the flow of information.
• Provide management for warehousing, transportation, documentation requirements, cost analysis, third-party logistics, and reverse logistics.
• Identify high-impact cost reduction opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential buyers and suppliers to the Company.
• Respond to customer service inquiries and clarify requirements and provide information as needed.
• Coordinate with other departments to assess material requirements for purchasing from third-party suppliers.
• Consider quality, availability, reliability, and technical support when choosing suppliers and merchandise.
• Evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and review the quality of products.
• Purchase products and services for organizations to use or resell and ensure that equipment procurement meets projects’ timelines.
• Verify purchase requisitions by comparing items requested to master list; clarifying unclear items; recommending alternatives.
• Forward available inventory items by verifying stock; scheduling delivery.
• Prepare purchase orders by verifying specifications and price; obtaining recommendations from suppliers for substitute items; obtaining approval from management.
• Obtain purchased items by forwarding orders to suppliers; monitoring and expediting orders.
• Verify receipt of items by comparing items received to items ordered; resolve shipments’ errors with suppliers; process returns documentation.
• Authorize payment for purchases by forwarding receiving documentation.
• Keep information accessible by sorting and filing documents.
• Provide purchasing planning and control information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.
• Prepare and implement effective negotiation tactics.
• Accomplish purchasing and organization mission by completing related results as needed.
• Other additional responsibilities as required.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Academic Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MSc/MA will be considered a plus.

Work Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, inventory control, or a related role.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing establishment is an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A strong analytical mindset.
• Familiar with standard procurement concepts, market research, data analysis, best practices, and techniques.
• Experience in negotiating prices and terms and conditions.
• Good understanding of all logistic methods and import/customs procedures.
• Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong work ethic and a positive team player.
• Strong problem identification and resolution skills.
• Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with other departments, key business partners, and other third parties as required.
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and purchasing software.