JOB PURPOSE

This position is responsible for a variety of fundamental purchasing procedures in accordance with established guidelines. This position requires strong customer service skills. 

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY 

Performs routine duties independently in accordance with established policies and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Most of the work is performed in a fast-paced office setting with frequent interruptions. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

Essential Functions include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct transactions involved in the procurement of quality materials, supplies, and services in accordance with approved requisitions and procedures.
• Obtain quotes, negotiate purchases within prescribed dollar limits, and perform follow-up work on orders placed.
• Ensure supplier’s compliance with terms of purchase and delivery of items. 
• Review and approve price variances and invoice holds to meet accounts payable (AP) requirements.
• Review replenishment orders to maintain adequate inventory to meet demand
• Review stock forecasts and make best judgement to maintain correct inventory based on season and demand
• Investigate supplier’s capability to furnish materials, finished parts, or service performance.
• Develop reliable sources of supply.
• Complete and organize required forms, records, or correspondence.
• Assist Purchasing Manager to initiate and develop ground work for major contracts beneficial to the company.
• Contribute to department goals by meeting or exceeding quarterly expectations.
• Assist Purchasing Manager with development of company purchasing activity on major purchasing projects, capital equipment, and product components.
• Maintain effective communication and harmonious working relations with all company personnel.
• Follow all departmental procedures and policies.        Recommend changes to procedure for Purchasing Manager approval.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations; keep work environment clean and free of hazard.
• Update and maintain vendor catalog (price, description, etc.)
• Schedule incoming freight
• Investigate item returns. 
• Maintain and review computerized or manual records of items purchased, costs, deliveries, product performance and inventories.
• Monitor shipments to ensure that good come in on time and resolve problems related to undelivered goods.
• Negotiate and administer contracts with supplier, vendors, and other representatives.
• Prepare purchase orders, solicits bids and reviews requisitions for goods.
• Reviews catalogs, and other resources to locate necessary goods and services. 
• Study sales records and inventory levels of current inventory to develop strategic purchasing programs.
• Collaborates with operational teams and vendors to develop agreements and process quality standards for the handling of products. 
• Plans strategic buys on specific products (opportunity buys, blanket orders, etc.) specifically managing the vendor negotiation and operations impact of those purchases. 
• Analyzes purchasing to identify opportunity areas for cost reductions and operations cost containment. 
• Negotiates with vendors to achieve better cost structures and works with internal departments to reduce costs of handling products.
• Responsible for sourcing quality, cost and operational impact of incoming inventory,
• Utilize highest standard of integrity and ethical business practices as basis for decisions, actions and relationships with vendors
• Researching and sourcing raw material to aid in negotiation with various manufactures and/or vendors 
• Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes

QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, competency, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Technical

• High school diploma or equivalent, minimum 1 year of retail/wholesale buying experience.
• Possess an in-depth knowledge of Ag machine parts and vendor resources.
• Intermediate computer proficiency working with Microsoft Office.
• Mathematical skills necessary to perform essential calculations.
• Ability to multi-task and organize orders for referral.

Physical 

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and exert 10 pounds of force frequently; 20 pounds of force occasionally (Level 2 – Light Work).
• Ability to use computer workstation, including keyboard and visual display terminal, for extended periods of time. 
• Ability to move about the office and warehouse areas to access files, office equipment, and interact with employees.
• Ability to listen to and understand information through spoken words and sentences.
• Finger, hand, and wrist dexterity. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

It is the policy of Abilene Machine not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.