Purchasing Agent

CRAY KAISER LTD; McCook (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

CRAY KAISER LTD in McCook, IL is seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent to source materials, negotiate terms, place and manage purchase orders, and ensure on-time delivery for manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years in manufacturing procurement, strong supplier management skills, and proficiency with ERP and Excel, collaborating with production, engineering, and warehouse teams to optimize cost, quality, and inventory.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of purchasing experience in manufacturing.
• Strong supplier management and procurement process knowledge.
• Experience negotiating pricing, terms, and delivery requirements.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate suppliers for materials, components, equipment, and services.
• Obtain and compare quotes, negotiate pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules.
• Prepare, issue, and manage purchase orders.
• Monitor orders and follow up with suppliers for on-time delivery.
• Maintain supplier relationships and identify new sources as needed.
• Coordinate with production, engineering, warehouse to meet purchasing needs.

Skills

Purchasing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Excel

ERP systems

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Description

Company Overview

Our client manufactures commercial cooking equipment and is seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent to join their team. This position plays an important role in supporting our manufacturing operations by ensuring materials, equipment, and services are sourced and purchased efficiently, competitively, and in accordance with company requirements.

Position Summary

The Purchasing Agent will be responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating pricing and terms, placing and managing purchase orders, and monitoring the timely delivery of materials and services. The ideal candidate has experience in purchasing within a manufacturing environment and understands the importance of quality, cost, inventory levels, and delivery schedules.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate suppliers for materials, components, equipment, and services.
• Obtain and compare quotes and negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and delivery schedules.
• Prepare, issue, and manage purchase orders.
• Monitor orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and identify new sources as needed.
• Work closely with production, engineering, warehouse, and other departments to understand purchasing requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate purchasing to support production schedules.
• Research market conditions, pricing, and product availability to identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Address purchasing, quality, delivery, and supplier issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing information, and supplier documentation.
• Assist with supplier performance evaluation and ongoing vendor management.
• Ensure purchases meet company quality and specification requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing, inventory, and supply chain processes.

Requirements

Qualifications

• 3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing practices, supplier management, and procurement processes.
• Experience negotiating pricing, terms, and delivery requirements.
• Strong organizational and follow‑up skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with an ERP or purchasing/inventory management system preferred.
• Ability to read and understand product specifications, bills of materials, or similar manufacturing documentation preferred.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is proactive, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be a strong communicator who can build effective supplier relationships while maintaining a focus on cost, quality, and timely delivery.