Purchasing Agent

Upc USA; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Purchasing Agent to enhance vendor relationships and optimize purchasing processes. This role involves negotiating with suppliers, analyzing market trends, and collaborating with various departments to ensure efficiency and quality in procurement. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and negotiation skills, along with a keen attention to detail. Join a team that values your contributions and offers opportunities for growth in a supportive environment. If you are a self-starter with a passion for procurement, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant purchasing experience required.
• Experience with ITAR Compliance and ERP systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with suppliers for the best prices and terms.
• Analyze purchasing data and market trends for cost savings.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure material quality.

Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Negotiation Skills

Research and Data Analysis

Project Management

Inventory Control Management

Technical Expertise

Product Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree in a related field

Tools

SAP ERP System

Job description

Job Title: Purchasing Agent | Department: Purchasing | Reports to: Purchasing Manager | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

At United Precision Corporation (“UPC”), we are dedicated to fostering an environment where all team members can perform to the best of their abilities and realize their true potential. Every team member plays an essential role in our operations, and we value the abilities, experience, and background they bring to the UPC table. We recognize that it is only through our team members who provide services that our customers rely upon that we can continuously improve, grow, and create new opportunities in the years to come.

As a Purchasing Agent, you will be responsible for interfacing with internal and external stakeholders using your exceptional customer service skills. You will work closely with your team members and collaborate with various departments throughout the organization, including sales, engineering, production, quality, and finance. You are adept at building rapport and creating lasting relationships with new and existing vendors. This role requires a trustworthy person, a self-starter, a dynamic personality, and the ability to manage their time efficiently to optimize the purchasing process, effectively negotiate with suppliers, and manage vendor relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build strong relationships with vendors, allowing positive follow-ups to meet deadlines and continual direct negotiations.
• Negotiate with existing and new suppliers for the best price, lead time, service, support, reliability, quality, and other purchasing metrics.
• Determine freight and logistics costs, including any expedited product requirements, ensuring inclusion in analysis for best sources.
• Use RFQs to enter purchase orders into the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Provide management with updates to material quality and supplier performance to ensure continual evaluation of key suppliers.
• Collaborating with the Purchasing Manager to ensure overall effectiveness in meeting department KPIs including but not limited to: quality, on-time delivery, PO creation accuracy, etc.
• Analyze local and national purchasing data and market trends to ensure continual improvement and opportunities for cost savings.
• Shipping and receiving, including but not limited to: creation of shippers, preparation of packages, receiving of inventory into SAP system, uploading or required certification information.
• Partner with the finance team to ensure that all inventory itemized within invoices has been received and entered into the SAP system. Connect with vendors if invoice information is not consistent with PO data.
• Maintains confidential information under ITAR requirements and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Interacts efficiently, professionally, and responsively with all levels of UPC team members and external vendors/suppliers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to United Precision Corporation:

Required

• High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• 2 or more years of relevant purchasing experience

Preferred

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited college in a related field
• Aerospace, Manufacturing, and/or Defense industry experience
• Experience with ITAR Compliance
• SAP or other ERP system experience
• Experience with AS9100 and ISO9001

Core Competencies and Skills for Success in this Role:

• Communication Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Research and Data Analysis
• Negotiation Skills
• Project Management
• Inventory Control Management
• Product Knowledge
• Technical Expertise

Physical Requirements:

A team member must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable team members with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

• Must be able to remain stationary 80% of the time.
• Must be able to occasionally move about inside a warehouse and office to access files, office/warehouse machinery, etc.
• Must be able to communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Must operate a computer and other office productivity machinery such as calculators, copy machines, and printers.

Working Conditions:

Work is generally performed in an office/warehouse environment with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. No special coordination beyond those used for normal mobility, handling of everyday objects and materials, and use of office equipment is necessary to perform the job satisfactorily.

The above statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. I fully understand the contents of this job description, have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding this job description, and have had the job duties, physical requirements, and working conditions explained to me. I understand United Precision Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer and that this job description is not a contract of employment. Its purpose is to define, though not exhaustively, the essential functions of the job. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Please note: A drug screening and background check will be required prior to employment.

COVID-19 considerations: Various protocols have been instituted to maintain the safety and well-being of our team members.