Purchasing Agent

Technique Inc; Lee's Summit (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Technique, Inc. is seeking a Purchasing Agent to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. You will work with vendors to obtain the best prices, terms, and delivery schedules for essential materials, reporting to the Supply Chain Manager and collaborating with a supportive team.

The role emphasizes safety, overtime flexibility, and a hands-on approach to learning. The ideal candidate has strong negotiation and communication skills, basic computer proficiency, and a team-first mindset.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; business/supply chain coursework a plus.
• 1–2 years purchasing-related experience preferred or willingness to learn tasks.
• Basic computer skills (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Excellent communication skills, especially over the phone.
• Strong negotiation and quick decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work well on cross-functional teams.
• Ability to prioritize work and solve problems.
• Frequent lifting up to 20 pounds; occasional up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Request quotes from vendors for materials.
• Confirm purchase orders with vendors.
• File purchase orders in the electronic system.
• Track deliveries and keep the team informed.
• Coordinate material pick-ups with shipping.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Suggest improvements to purchasing processes.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Organizational skills

Team player

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Related coursework in business/supply chain

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Word

Job description

Technique, Inc. is looking for a Purchasing Agent to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. In this role, you'll work with vendors to get the best prices, terms, and delivery schedules for the materials that keep our shop running. You'll report to the Supply Chain Manager and work alongside a supportive team — no prior supervisory experience needed, and no supervisory responsibilities in this role. Working safely, working overtime when needed, and flexibility in your schedule are essential parts of the job.

The ideal candidate brings:

• Strong computer skills (Outlook, Excel, Word) and the confidence to learn new software quickly
• A knack for negotiating — you're comfortable asking for a better price and making smart decisions on the spot
• Exceptional phone skills and a professional, courteous manner with vendors and coworkers
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through
• A team-first mindset and eagerness to learn

What You'll Do (Where You'll Start)

• Request quotes – Reach out to vendors for quotes on materials (we'll teach you the material grades).
• Confirm purchase orders – Make sure every purchase order is confirmed by the vendor.
• File purchase orders – Keep purchase orders organized in our electronic filing system.
• Track deliveries – Monitor estimated arrival times for materials and keep the team informed.
• Coordinate pick-ups – Work with our shipping department to schedule material pick-ups.
• Negotiate with suppliers – Build vendor relationships and negotiate pricing and terms.
• Suggest improvements – Share ideas to make our purchasing processes better.

Where You Can Grow

As you master the basics, you'll have the opportunity to advance into responsibilities like:

• Reading blueprints – Understand specifications and material grades from engineering drawings.
• Processing vendor returns – Handle returns in our E2 shop management system.
• Maintaining records – Keep the kirksite record accurate and up to date.
• Managing inventory – Maintain stock levels and place re-order tags.
• Creating pack lists – Build outside service pack lists.
• Setting up new vendors – Handle new vendor processing and onboarding.
• Supporting the office – Keep the Smart Cell and office supply closet stocked.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (a degree or coursework in business, supply chain, or a related field is a plus, but not required)
• 1–2 years of purchasing-related experience preferred — or the knowledge, skills, and willingness to learn the tasks above (we'll train you)
• Basic computer skills (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Excellent communication skills, especially over the phone, with a professional attitude
• Negotiation skills and sound, quick decision-making
• Ability to work well on cross-functional teams
• Ability to prioritize your work and solve problems
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to fumes or airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, moving mechanical parts, industrial equipment, vibration, and loud noise
• No travel expected for this position
• Must be eligible to work in the United States, either by means of U.S. Citizenship, Work Visa, or H1B sponsorship. E-Verify partner employer.