Senior Purchasing Agent

Forge Search; Clinton (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Manufacturing Company in Clinton, SC is seeking two Senior Purchasing Agents to strengthen strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and cost management in a manufacturing setting. You will negotiate pricing, review schedules, and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Product Development to ensure material availability and on-time delivery.

Candidates should have 5+ years in manufacturing procurement, experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred), and a proven track

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, logistics, or related field.
• Minimum of five years in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with supplier negotiations, cost reduction, purchasing agreements, and lead-time management.
• Understanding of Incoterms and international purchasing practices.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience working with ERP systems; SAP experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships and performance related to quality, delivery, cost, and service.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, contracts, terms, and purchasing agreements to support business objectives.
• Identify cost savings opportunities through supplier negotiations, cost analysis, and sourcing strategies.
• Monitor material availability, supplier lead times, and delivery schedules to support manufacturing requirements.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Product Development to address material and supplier-related issues.
• Support supplier consolidation, inventory management initiatives, and purchasing process improvements.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements to support purchasing decisions.
• Assist with engineering changes, new product introductions, and cross-functional sourcing projects.
• Evaluate supplier cost structures, tariffs, and international purchasing considerations.
• Support the transition toward a commodity-focused purchasing structure.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or related field

Tools

SAP

Excel

Power BI

Job description

We are partnering with a global manufacturing company in Clinton, SC that is seeking two experienced Senior Purchasing Agents to its team. With plans to expand its strategic sourcing efforts and take a more focused approach to commodity management, the company is looking for purchasing professionals who can bring new ideas, build supplier relationships, and help improve the way materials are sourced and managed.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys both the day-to-day challenges of purchasing and the strategic side of procurement. The Senior Purchasing Agents will work closely with suppliers and internal teams to negotiate pricing, manage costs, improve lead times, and keep manufacturing operations running smoothly. The ideal candidates will have a background in manufacturing purchasing, enjoy solving problems, and be comfortable taking ownership of supplier relationships and purchasing decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships and performance related to quality, delivery, cost, and service.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, contracts, terms, and purchasing agreements to support business objectives.
• Identify cost savings opportunities through supplier negotiations, cost analysis, and sourcing strategies.
• Monitor material availability, supplier lead times, and delivery schedules to support manufacturing requirements.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Product Development to address material and supplier-related issues.
• Support supplier consolidation, inventory management initiatives, and purchasing process improvements.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements to support purchasing decisions.
• Assist with engineering changes, new product introductions, and cross-functional sourcing projects.
• Evaluate supplier cost structures, tariffs, and international purchasing considerations.
• Support the transition toward a commodity-focused purchasing structure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Logistics, or a related field required.
• Minimum of five years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with supplier negotiations, cost reduction, purchasing agreements, and lead-time management.
• Understanding of Incoterms and international purchasing practices.
• Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems; SAP experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of supplier cost breakdowns, tariffs, and Lean Manufacturing principles is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Power BI experience is a plus but not required.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• This position requires working 100% onsite in Clinton, SC.
• Approximately 25% travel is expected, primarily for domestic supplier visits, with potential travel to Mexico.