Purchasing Agent

Matson Logistics; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matson Logistics is seeking a Purchasing Agent to support the procurement process for vessels, ensuring timely and cost-effective purchase of spare parts and materials. You will coordinate with Vessel Managers and crews to optimize procurement and maintain NSE vendor records.

The role involves RFQ reviews, PO creation, price negotiations, and collaboration with Finance to process invoices. Prior experience in purchasing or supply chain is preferred.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Process vessel requisitions (REQNs) daily to support operational requirements.
• Review RFQs, identify qualified vendors, obtain approvals before issuing POs.
• Convert approved engineering RFQs into POs promptly.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and supplier agreements for best value.
• Collaborate with vessel personnel, Marine Engineering, and vendors to meet needs.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vessel personnel to track and expedite deliveries.
• Partner with Accounting to support timely payment of invoices.
• Conduct annual vendor evaluations and maintain documentation.
• Support the Small Business program by engaging qualified small suppliers.
• Develop new supplier sources to improve service levels and cost savings.
• Establish annual performance objectives related to procurement processes.
• Maintain accurate NSE vendor information; process shoreside POs in Workday.

Skills

Excel

Word

Outlook

Negotiation

Vendor management

Analytics

Communication

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Nautical Systems (NS)

Workday

Job description

About Us

Matson has been the leading ocean shipping and logistics provider throughout the Pacific since 1882. We are the supply chain lifeline for Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and islands of the South Pacific. We also offer the top two ocean shipping services in the world’s largest trade lane - Asia to the U.S. West Coast. With our subsidiaries Matson Terminals and Matson Logistics, our business focus is exceeding customer expectations with quality, reliability, and integrity.

We strive to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner and promote land-based environmental programs in Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska. We help improve the communities in which we work and live through our community giving program that annually supports hundreds of local organizations.

Matson is honored to be certified as a Great Place to Work. Our team of dedicated and talented employees consistently deliver exceptional results for our customers and the communities in which we serve.

Learn more at matson.com.

About The Role

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for supporting the procurement process for assigned vessels by ensuring the timely and cost-effective purchase of spare parts, consumables, and other operational materials. This role is responsible for the daily processing of vessel requisitions (REQNs), obtaining vendor quotations, evaluating pricing and service options, and creating purchase orders (POs) in accordance with Company policies and operational requirements.

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for working closely with Vessel Managers and vessel personnel to support vessel operations and identify opportunities to improve procurement effectiveness and efficiency. This includes periodic visits to assigned vessels to better understand operational needs and establish working relationships with vessel personnel.

Additionally, the Purchasing Agent is responsible for maintaining vendor records within Nautical Systems Enterprise (NSE), supporting annual vendor audits, researching, and qualifying new vendors, reviewing past-due orders and vendor confirmations, and preparing weekly procurement-related reports.

What you’ll do:

• Process vessel requisitions (REQNs) daily to support operational requirements and ensure timely delivery of materials at competitive prices.
• Review open Requests for Quotation (RFQs), identify qualified vendors, and obtain Vessel Manager approval prior to issuing purchase orders (POs).
• Convert approved engineering RFQs into purchase orders in a timely manner.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and supplier agreements to achieve the best overall value for the Company.
• Collaborate with vessel personnel, Marine Engineering, and vendors to ensure the procurement of appropriate products and services that meet operational needs.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vessel personnel to track, confirm, and expedite deliveries as required.
• Partner with the Accounting team to support the timely processing and payment of invoices.
• Conduct annual vendor evaluations for assigned suppliers and maintain supporting documentation.
• Support the Company's Small Business program by identifying and engaging qualified small business suppliers.
• Research and develop new supplier sources and procurement opportunities to improve service levels and achieve cost savings.
• Establish and work toward annual performance objectives related to requisition, RFQ, and purchase order processing.
• Maintain accurate and current vendor information within Nautical Systems Enterprise (NSE).
• Process shoreside purchase orders for the Facilities & Maintenance (F&M) shop using Workday.
• Review and follow up on weekly past-due purchase order reports for both NSE and Workday systems.
• Ensure compliance with Company policies, procedures, and procurement standards.

In addition to the essential functions outlined above, employees in this position may be assigned other duties and responsibilities as business needs require.

You have these skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make sound business recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

And these qualifications:

• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Experience with planning, project coordination, or project management.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Extra credit if you have:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations is preferred; maritime industry experience is a plus but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and procurement-related systems preferred.
• Basic familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools is preferred, including the ability to leverage technology to improve productivity and business processes.
• Working knowledge of NS (Nautical Systems) preferred.
• Experience with Workday is preferred.

The annual salary range is posted for this position in California. The salary offered will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

At Matson, we're looking for people to build a unified team to maintain our values of trust, integrity, and reliability. We welcome people who think rigorously and thoughtfully challenge assumptions. #MI