Purchasing Agent Job Description

PURCHASING AGENT SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

The Purchasing Agent, or Buyer, purchases products that the organization uses. The Purchasing Agent also may research and identify potential vendors, negotiate contract terms with vendors, and monitor and report on vendors’ performance.

PURCHASING AGENT ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist Purchasing management with vendor/supplier evaluations.
• Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other information to determine reasonable prices.
• Help work out vendor policies (e.g., when products are delivered).
• Meet with Production, Quality, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services.
• Evaluate and monitor vendor contracts (ensure that vendors and supplies comply with terms and conditions and determine if changes are needed).
• Maintain and review records of items bought, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.
• Obtain and distribute MSDS information where needed; replaces and disposes of obsolete copies.
• Obtain / replace first aid supplies, office supplies (e.g., writing pads, pens, copier/scanner cartridges), tools for production / assembly, etc., as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties, as needed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports directly to the Purchasing Manager. Works in conjunction with Production, Sales, Human Resources, Safety, and other departments to ensure they have sufficient quantities of materials.

PROCEDURES

The Purchasing Agent Job Description is mentioned in the following procedures:

PURCHASING AGENT QUALIFICATIONS

A high school diploma is required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration is preferred. Require 1-3 years of experience as a buyer.

Good communication skills and the ability to work well with people at all levels are essential, as are strong math skills. Need someone who can work independently and as part of a team. Prefer someone who is motivated from within.

PURCHASING AGENT PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to communicate orally with management, coworkers, and vendors is crucial. Regular use of phone, email, texting, etc., for communication is essential. Hearing and vision correctable to within normal ranges are essential for normal conversations, receiving ordinary information, and preparing or inspecting documents.

The ability to remain in a stationary position roughly 50% of the time, as well as the ability to move about the office occasionally (accessing files/storage, office equipment, computers and other office productivity devices, attending meetings, etc.), is required.

Using a computer while sitting for extended periods is common. Must also be able to position self to load or unload materials, including under tables and desks or in storage cabinets (closets).

Some heavy lifting may be expected; occasional exertion of around 30 lbs. of force (e.g., picking up/carrying office supplies, tools) may be required. Good manual dexterity required to use common office equipment (e.g., computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is performed indoors in a traditional office setting. Extended periods of sitting while using a computer or other devices are common.