Junior Purchasing Agent

Century-Furniture; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Century Furniture LLC is hiring a Junior Purchasing Agent in Hickory, NC. The role supports procurement activities, coordinates domestic and international supplier orders, and monitors purchase orders to ensure timely material availability for operations.

The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1–3 years of purchasing or procurement experience, with strong analytical and communication skills. ERP/SAP experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field required.
• 1 to 3 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or related business experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions within established purchasing policies and procedures.
• Working together in cross functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with SAP or other ERP purchasing systems preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze purchasing data and identify discrepancies.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with suppliers and internal customers.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, initiative, and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned purchasing activities to ensure timely procurement of materials.
• Coordinate with domestic and international suppliers regarding purchase orders, shipments, and delivery schedules.
• Review and maintain purchase orders, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely follow-up.
• Monitor ASNs, shipment activity, and supplier communications to identify discrepancies.
• Evaluate purchasing information and communicate delays, shortages, or supply concerns to appropriate departments.
• Work with internal teams and suppliers to order and manage replacement parts.
• Maintain purchasing records and supplier documentation within the ERP system.
• Support Customer Service, Manufacturing, Distribution, and other departments by coordinating material availability and purchasing requests.
• Research purchasing issues and recommend practical solutions to improve efficiency and service.
• Assist in evaluating vendor performance related to quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and departmental projects.
• Perform other procurement and supply chain responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Prioritization

Decision making

Cross-functional teamwork

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Position SummaryThe Junior Purchasing Agent is responsible for supporting the procurement function by coordinating purchasing activities, maintaining supplier relationships, monitoring purchase orders, and ensuring the timely procurement of materials that support business operations. This position exercises judgment within established purchasing guidelines, collaborates with internal departments and suppliers, and contributes to the efficient operation of the organization’s supply chain while developing the knowledge and skills necessary for advancement within the Purchasing Department.Position DetailsManage assigned purchasing activities to ensure the timely procurement of materials and supplies.Coordinate with domestic and international suppliers regarding purchase orders, shipments, and delivery schedules.Review and maintain purchase orders, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely follow-up.Monitor Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs), shipment activity, and supplier communications to identify and resolve discrepancies.Evaluate purchasing information and communicate delays, shortages, or supply concerns to appropriate departments.Work with internal teams and suppliers to order and manage replacement parts.Maintain purchasing records and supplier documentation within the ERP system.Support Customer Service, Manufacturing, Distribution, and other departments by coordinating material availability and purchasing requests.Research purchasing issues and recommend practical solutions to improve efficiency and service.Assist in evaluating vendor performance related to quality, delivery, and responsiveness.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and departmental projects.Perform other procurement and supply chain responsibilities as assigned.Position RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field required.1 to 3 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or related business experience preferred.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines.Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions within established purchasing policies and procedureWorking together in cross functional teamsProfessional CompetenciesProficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.Experience with SAP or other ERP purchasing systems preferred.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Ability to analyze purchasing data and identify discrepancies.Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with suppliers and internal customers.Demonstrated attention to detail, initiative, and accountability.Physical RequirementsThe physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.Prolonged periods of sitting while working on a computer and using a telephone.Frequent use of standard office equipment.Ability to occasionally walk through manufacturing and warehouse environments.Frequent lifting and carrying of materials up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.