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Title

Purchasing Agent 

Description

This Purchasing Agent plays a crucial role in supporting our purpose of creating lasting value for those we serve by helping the company gain additional market share and focus on the profitability of a specific set of product lines within our business.  This person will have significant exposure to our Customized Solutions business segment. The primary responsibilities of this position include purchasing, cost negotiation, and making solid sourcing decisions for our business while collaborating across departments. This position builds strong relationships with suppliers, as well as with the company’s sales and pricing teams. The Purchasing Agent is a self-starter, works autonomously and sets an example for others. This individual will impact the business by growing sales, market share and overall profitability. This individual’s behavior promotes our culture, our 5 P’s and our purpose to create lasting value for those we serve.

 

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

  • Effectively and efficiently source, track and expedite non-traditional material to meet project and customer needs
  • Collaborate and effectively communicate key information with both external and internal customers
  • Provide critical information to internal stakeholders to effectively and accurately develop product build schedules
  • Demonstrate the ability to think big picture and build strong processes to support long term needs of the business
  • Build strong relationships directly with important customer contacts
  • Shows an understanding of the different steps in the supply chain and how to manage cost, efficiency, and relationships throughout
  • Drive improvements in market share and profitability for designated lines
  • Optimize inventory levels at the distribution center based on market needs and financial return
  • Collaborate with the Inventory Manager and Regional Customer Service Managers to improve branch inventory for designated lines
  • Develop and foster key relationships with local representatives and suppliers
  • Build strong relationships with the sales team and members of the purchasing and pricing teams.
  • Collaborate with sales and pricing teams to implement competitive and profitable day-to-day selling strategies
  • Develop a keen understanding of local market distributor/manufacturer competition and market selling levels
  • Develop an intimate knowledge of the company’s inventory system (Eclipse) as it relates to procurement and inventory management
  • Take advantage of buying power by negotiating purchases and establishing effective buying schedules
  • Promote our culture and our 5 P’s

 

Critical Success Factors:

  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across departments
  • Able to create a teaming atmosphere with internal customers
  • Strong negotiation skills, which will benefit the company financially while maintaining solid relationships with internal customers and suppliers
  • Willingness to take managed risks
  • Able to analyze trends, cost/pricing strategies, and best practices to constantly improve product line performance
  • Willingness to give and receive constructive feedback
  • Ability to understand and implement our processes and procedures
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines
  • Must lead by example by displaying a positive work ethic and attitude
  • Ability to learn, grow, and adapt to change
  • Ability to make sound decisions with minimal guidance
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to solve problems and develop solutions
  • Drive for continuous improvement
  • Dependable

 

Job Requirements/Specifications:

  • 0-2 years of experience with an Associate’s Degree, four-year degree preferred
  • Education in Pricing Strategy is a plus
  • Electrical product knowledge is a plus
  • Previous sales or customer service experience required
  • Proven negotiation skills required
  • Knowledge of the electrical wholesale distribution industry preferred
  • Contractor market experience preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel and Access
  • Experience with purchasing software systems required. Eclipse experience preferred
 
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Shift -not applicable-  
Position Purchasing Agent  
Number of Openings 1  
Location Cedar Rapids  
About the Organization  
EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

This position is currently not accepting applications.

To search for an open position, please go to http://VanMeterInc.appone.com



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