Purchasing Agent I - Launch Your Procurement Career

kawarrick; Newburgh (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding benefits package starting/

Relocation assistance

401(k) plan vesting day 1

Vacation plan for work-life balance

Employee resource groups

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum Warrick Operations in Newburgh, Indiana is seeking an Entry Level Purchasing Agent I to support procurement of maintenance parts, supplies, equipment, and services. This role emphasizes accuracy, adherence to policies, and timely processing of POs to meet plant requirements.

You will grow with a team, develop supplier relationships, and assist in inventory replenishment, cost control, and Lean initiatives. A Bachelor's degree is required, and ERP/Oracle BI experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Entry level purchasing with 1-5 years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree required
• Proficiency in procurement and inventory management systems; experience with ERP software, Oracle Business Intelligence software is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within teams.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of contract law and the execution of contracts between buyers and sellers
• Competent with computer software and tools, including Windows, Word, and Excel.
• Certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CPSD, CPM, and/or APP are preferred or considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Generate and expedite purchase orders (POs) in compliance with company policies for materials and supplies, storeroom inventory, and services.
• Perform procurement activities to support storeroom replenishment, ensure inventory accuracy, optimize min/max levels, and resolve related issues.
• Evaluate inventory replenishment requests to maintain optimal levels based on usage, criticality, and lead times.
• Follow inventory procedures and contribute to initiatives aimed at identifying and managing inventory obsolescence.
• Initiate new material creation and modifications, ensuring appropriate attributes are defined.
• Identify and develop suppliers to achieve cost, quality, and performance targets.
• Support new supplier creation and modification.
• Monitor, document, and manage supplier performance both formally and informally to ensure highest levels of service and supply.
• Act as a liaison between suppliers and plant personnel to obtain product specifications and service details, including pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Leverage Lean Manufacturing tools and other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance administrative processes, distribution, and drive cost efficiency.
• Work with stakeholders to resolve issues with defective goods or services by identifying root causes and coordinating corrective actions.
• Negotiate purchase terms and issue resolution with suppliers, including pricing, PO terms, payment, delivery, and termination options.
• Assist in resolving supplier invoice discrepancies to ensure timely payment processing.
• Ensure compliance with company financial controls related to procurement and inventory management.
• Support procurement, warehousing, and distribution of MRO inventory with a focus on cost-effective solutions.

Skills

Procurement

Inventory management

Negotiation

ERP systems

Excel

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Oracle BI

ERP software

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum Warrick Operations in Newburgh, Indiana is seeking an Entry Level Purchasing Agent I to support procurement of maintenance parts, supplies, equipment, and services. This role emphasizes accuracy, adherence to policies, and timely processing of POs to meet plant requirements.

You will grow with a team, develop supplier relationships, and assist in inventory replenishment, cost control, and Lean initiatives. A Bachelor's degree is required, and ERP/Oracle BI experience is a plus.