Purchasing Agent

Watchfire; Danville (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Watchfire in Danville, IL seeks a Purchasing Agent to source, negotiate, and purchase goods and services, ensuring alignment with company goals and efficient procurement practices.

You will collaborate with supply chain, finance, and production teams to ensure timely deliveries, maintain supplier relationships, and monitor market conditions.

Strong negotiation, analytical skills, and knowledge of procurement best practices are essential, with MS Office proficiency and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business/Supply Chain/ or Accounting and related certifications preferred.
• Experience as a Buyer or in a senior procurement role.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills.
• Proficiency with procurement software and MS Office.
• Willingness to travel and knowledge of procurement laws/regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with company goals.
• Identify, evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts and pricing.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and monitor performance.
• Review material requirements and generate purchase orders.
• Monitor inventory, lead times, and purchase orders; ensure on-time delivery.
• Prepare procurement and supply reports for management.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize processes.
• Stay updated on market trends and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Independence

Teamwork

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration / Supply Chain / or Accounting

CPSM or CPPM certification preferred

Job description

Summary

The Purchasing Agent will play a vital role in procurement by sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing goods and services for our organization. This role is responsible for ensuring that the procurement activities align with the company's goals and objectives, while also maintaining efficient and cost-effective purchasing procedures. The Purchasing Agent will collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as the supply chain team, finance department, and production teams, to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods and services. This role requires strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and market knowledge to achieve optimal results.

Summary

The Purchasing Agent will play a vital role in procurement by sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing goods and services for our organization. This role is responsible for ensuring that the procurement activities align with the company's goals and objectives, while also maintaining efficient and cost-effective purchasing procedures. The Purchasing Agent will collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as the supply chain team, finance department, and production teams, to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods and services. This role requires strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and market knowledge to achieve optimal results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies and plans per, company goals and objectives.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers and negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing agreements to ensure favorable terms and conditions.
• Manage and maintain relationships with existing suppliers.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, market conditions, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand their requirements and provide procurement solutions that meet their needs.
• Review MRP/ERP material requirements and generate purchase orders or requisitions as needed.
• Monitor inventory levels, lead times, open purchase orders, and material availability.
• Coordinate with suppliers to confirm pricing, lead times, order quantities, and delivery schedules.
• Analyze demand forecasts and historical usage to identify purchasing requirements.
• Maintain appropriate safety-stock and inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Prepare purchasing, inventory, and supply reports and communicate key issues to management.
• Evaluate supplier performance and conduct regular performance reviews to ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and implement strategies to optimize procurement processes and reduce expenses.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new products, and market conditions to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier information.
• Identify potential supply risks and develop contingency plans.
• Ensure a stable supply chain by diversifying suppliers.

Qualifications/Skills

• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to drive favorable outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to analyze market trends, pricing, and supplier performance.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in using procurement software and tools to streamline processes and manage data effectively.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in contracts, pricing, and specifications.
• Problem‑solving skills to address issues and find creative solutions.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Proactive and result‑oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Buyer or in a similar procurement role, preferably in a senior capacity.
• Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, market trends, and supplier management.
• Proficient in using procurement software and tools.
• Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements related to procurement.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) are preferred.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations related to procurement.

Education and Licensing

• Bachelor’s degree in Business/Supply Chain/ or Accounting preferred

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Company Paid Life/ADD
• Voluntary Life/ADD
• Dependent Life/ADD
• 401k with Employer Match
• Vacation
• Personal Time
• Watchfire is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.
• Legal authorization to work in the US required. We will not consider candidates who need sponsorship, now or in the future, to be legally employed in the US. No H1B, OPT, CPT or other “temporary work authorization” candidates will be considered.