Purchasing Agent

Midwest Fastener Corp.; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Midwest Fastener Corp. in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Purchasing Agent to coordinate procurement and distribution of materials, parts, and supplies. The role ensures timely delivery, cost control, and supplier evaluation.

The candidate will analyze requirements, negotiate with suppliers, and implement compliant contracts while maintaining accurate procurement records. Strong communication and MS Office skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 2–4 years related experience.
• Aptitude for numbers with high accuracy.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Effective problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to understand technical components/materials.
• Ability to work independently or in teams.
• Self-motivated with ability to initiate and complete tasks.
• Capable of multitasking and prioritizing projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365; Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates all activities related to procurement from intent to purchase through delivery.
• Analyzes commodity requirements, specs, supplier, and delivery date.
• Solicits and evaluates proposals for the requested commodity.
• Interviews potential suppliers to verify requirements.
• Advise team on supplier selection.
• Negotiates lowest cost balancing quality and schedule.
• Implements purchase contracts compliant with regulations.
• Ensures on-time delivery at negotiated price and quality.
• Maintains timely control of orders and shipping notices.
• Coordinates distribution methods to optimize cost.

Skills

Numerical aptitude

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Problem solving

Technical understanding

Independent work

Teamwork

Self-motivated

Task management

Multitasking

Prioritization

Communication skills

MS Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Technical adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Purchasing Agent is an integral part of the organization’s procurement department. The Purchasing Agent coordinates the procurement/purchasing and distribution of materials, parts, equipment, and supplies for the organization.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Coordinates all activities related to procurement of a commodity beginning with intent to purchase through delivery.
• Analyzes the requirements of the commodity, including preliminary specifications, preferred supplier, and date commodity is needed.
• Solicits and evaluates proposals for the requested commodity.
• Investigates and/or interviews potential suppliers to determine if they meet the specified requirements.
• Advise team members or management on the appropriate supplier to be used.
• Negotiates the lowest possible cost for the commodity balanced against the optimum quality and schedule needs.
• Implements purchase contracts that comply with company and government regulations.
• Ensures that the commodity is delivered on schedule, at the negotiated price, and meets the quality standards of the company.
• Maintains timely control of orders, amendments, shipping notices, and other documents to ensure accurate retention of records.
• Coordinates appropriate methods needed to distribute commodity in a cost-effective manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent from four-year college; or2 to 4 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have an aptitude for numbers and maintain a high degree of accuracy in all areas.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Must have ability to problem solve effectively.
• Ability to understand technical aspects of the components / materials in their portfolio
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively as needed
• Self-motivated, ability to initiate and follow tasks through to completion
• Must have the ability to multitask and prioritize projects.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft office/ Microsoft 365; including Word, Excel, Power Point,etc.
• Must be technically minded and able to quickly adapt to new software and programs

Where: Kalamazoo Location

Hours: 8:00-4:30

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics or status protected by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.