Purchasing Agent I

VIRTEX; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the electronics sector is seeking a Purchasing Agent I to manage sourcing and procurement of electronic components. The role involves vendor management, price negotiations, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Ideal candidates will have a background in supply chain management and experience in the electronics industry.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years experience in purchasing or supply chain.
• Knowledge of electronic components and import/export regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate pricing.
• Ensure quality standards and compliance with regulations.
• Create purchase orders and track shipments.

Skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics

Tools

ERP software

Excel

Job description

Description

Exempt (salaried), Full-Time

Job Summary: The Purchasing Agent I is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing electronic components, products, or equipment needed by a company. Their main goal is to ensure that the organization has the right parts at the right time, at the best possible cost, and with the required quality.

Essential Functions:

• Vendor Management: Identify, evaluate, and maintain relationships with suppliers and manufacturers of electronic goods.
• Price Negotiations: Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to get the best deal.
• Inventory Coordination: Manage inventory levels and forecast needs based on production schedules or market demands. Inventory analysis.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the components or products meet quality standards and technical specifications.
• Order Processing: Create purchase orders, track shipments, and resolve any issues related to delays or defects.
• Market Research: Stay updated on trends, new products, pricing changes, and supply chain disruptions.
• Compliance: Ensure purchases comply with the company Quality Management System, policies, any other regulatory and statutory requirements as required by the customer, and applicable laws (such as import/export regulations).
• NPI: New production Introduction
• Accountable for accepting responsibility for quality aspects of the job by actively participating in quality efforts by supporting Virtex's quality policy.

Management reserves the right to change these duties at any time.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of electronic components and how they are used.
• Negotiation and contract management skills.
• ERP set-up and procurement software proficiency.
• Strong Excell Skills for tracking orders, inventory, and supplier data.
• Understanding of import/export regulations
• Problem-solving ability for sourcing alternatives during shortages.
• Ability to read technical drawings/spec sheets
• Excellent communication skills to communicate with Customers, all levels of Management, and Employees
• Manage multiple tasks, schedules, and projects in a fast-paced environment where priorities change constantly.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strategic thinking and cost-consciousness

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred) in: Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Logistics or a related field
• 2–5 years experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain (preferably in electronics or manufacturing industries).
• Experience working with electronic components (like semiconductors, PCBs, connectors)
• Familiarity with sourcing both domestic and international suppliers.

Description of the physical demands:

• Must have an ability to sit for long periods at a desk or workstation, working on a computer or phone.
• Walking to different departments for collaboration.
• Minimal lifting

Description of the work environment:

• Fast paced, managing several projects or issues at one time.

Citizenship Requirements:

Due to the type of work at the VIRTEX Anoka, Minnesota facility a successful applicant must be a "U.S. Person" (US citizens, US nationals, lawful permanent resident).

VIRTEX is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, protected Veteran Status, genetics or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.