Procurement Agent

Laitram LLC; Harahan (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Laitram LLC seeks a Procurement Agent to own the purchase process, source parts, and manage vendors. You will align with engineering and production on specs, lead times, and cost objectives to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Responsibilities include managing POs, safety stock, and supplier performance while avoiding shortages and optimizing total cost. Strong ERP and MS Office skills are essential for success in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• BS degree or 10+ years experience substituted for degree
• Experience sourcing custom-machined parts and interpreting engineering drawings
• Organized, proactive team member able to work independently
• 5+ years’ experience in manufacturing procurement or related industry
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• ERP experience with Infor XA and/or Oracle

Responsibilities

• Place orders for parts and raw materials based on MRP suggestions or purchase requests
• Create purchase orders to maintain optimal inventory levels balancing costs, lead times, production, and customer needs
• Establish and maintain data for safety stock, min order quantities, lead times, and current costs
• Source new parts from existing and new vendors based on technical needs and costs
• Collaborate with engineering and production to clarify specs, delivery priorities, and cost objectives
• Lead initiatives to review designs and specifications to balance availability and cost
• Check high‑risk purchases and expedite orders to meet requirements
• Maintain vendor metrics, change vendors as required, identify better alternatives
• Avoid over‑ordering and manage impact of shortages on customers and production
• Monitor markets for major purchase categories to reduce supply chain risks
• Manage order process including PO and P-card systems for cost accuracy and timely delivery
• Own the purchase process from request to delivery

Skills

Sourcing

Procurement

Vendor management

Data analysis

Excel

Supply chain

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

B.S. degree in related field

Tools

Infor XA

Oracle

Job description

Laitram Machinery, Inc. has a position available for a Procurement Agent. For over 70 years, Laitram Machinery has pioneered the manufacturing of high-performance shrimp-peeling equipment, and more recently, steam cookers, blanchers, nut pasteurizers, roasters, and sorters. All of our products are designed to increase efficiency, improve product quality and yield for processors worldwide. Laitram Machinery is one of four operating divisions of Laitram, L.L.C. and offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who want to work for an established, yet growing company in the private sector. To learn more about our company culture, philosophy, and benefits, please visit our company page.

Responsibilities:

• Place orders for parts and raw materials based on MRP suggestions or purchase requests.
• Create purchase orders to maintain optimal inventory levels, balancing costs, lead times, production, and customer needs.
• Establish and maintain data for safety stock, minimum order quantities, lead times, and current costs.
• Source new parts from existing and new vendors based on technical needs, production requirements, inventory levels, lead times, and costs.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to clarify technical specifications, delivery priorities, and cost objectives.
• Lead initiatives to review and challenge existing designs and specifications, ensuring parts availability and cost are balanced with end‑use requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
• Check high‑risk purchases and expedite orders as needed to meet customer, service, and production requirements.
• Maintain vendor metrics, change vendors as required, and work with vendors to identify better alternatives and manage delivery changes.
• Avoid over‑ordering and understand the impact of part shortages or late deliveries on customers and production.
• Monitor markets for major purchase categories to reduce supply chain risks.
• Manage the entire order process, including PO and P-card systems, to ensure cost accuracy, quality, and timely delivery.
• Own the purchase process from request to delivery, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of parts.

Requirements:

• B.S. degree in related field (Business, Finance, Supply Chain/Logistics Management, Engineering) 10 plus years' experience can be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Direct experience sourcing custom-machined parts, including the ability to interpret engineering and technical drawings and specifications to apply best engineering and production practices
• Organized, efficient, and proactive team member with ability to work independently.
• 5 or more years’ experience in related industry (manufacturing preferred)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Ability to review production plan/forecast and anticipate critical, long lead requirements
• ERP experience (Infor XA and/or Oracle preferred)
• Strong accuracy in data entry and order processing
• Strong analytical and objective decision-making skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment as an integral part of a team

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity in motor/gearbox design and procurement best practices
• Experience in an HMLV, job shop, or custom manufacturing environment, with understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics of low-volume, high-mix procurement