What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Agent position at AdTech Ceramics?
Advanced Technical Ceramics (AdTech) located in Chattanooga, TN, specializes in custom manufacturing of strong, durable, and precise microelectronic ceramics. AdTech Ceramics is currently seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Purchasing Agent to manage procurement activities within our supply chain operations. The ideal candidate will oversee sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing of materials and services to ensure timely delivery, cost efficiency, and quality standards. This role requires a strong understanding of ERP systems and supply chain management processes to support production planning and inventory control. The Purchasing Agent will collaborate with suppliers and internal departments to optimize procurement workflows and maintain seamless operations.
Essential Functions:
* Verify the PO requests are properly approved per published guidelines.
* Verifies nomenclature and specifications of purchase requests.
* Consults catalogs and interview suppliers to obtain prices, specifications, and negotiate terms.
* Review component requirements for production and get quotes as needed.
* Types or writes invitation of bid forms and transmits forms to supplier firms or for public posting.
* Generate system purchase order and send copy to supplier and department originating request.
* Requests, receives and files confirmations of PO receipt from vendors.
* Compiles records of items purchased or transferred between departments, prices, deliveries, and inventories.
* Computes total cost of items purchased.
* Confers with suppliers concerning late deliveries.
* Compares prices, specifications and delivery dates and awards contract to bidders or places orders with suppliers or mail order forms.
* Receives packing slips from warehouse, reconcile to purchase order, and close purchase order when completed.
* Add new vendors in system as needed.
* Processes items for returns to vendors.
* Processes ship notices for items being sent to vendor.
* Coordinate with A/P the timely payment of invoices.
* Reviews list of items due each week and calls vendors to get current ship dates.
* Understands and maintains standards required for ITAR and export compliance.
* Maintains vendor quality history and ISO action notebook.
Other Responsibilities:
* Knows and follows all safety requirements; strives to maintain a safe work environment.
* Effectively gives and receives feedback.
* Must be able to function within a team environment, prompts others to contribute knowledge and information to meet company objectives.
* Maintains acceptable level of cleanliness in the work area.
* Other duties as assigned.
Education, Training, and Skill Recommendations/Requirements:
* Associate degree in a business-related field; 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience
* Strong Computer, communication, and math skills
* High attention to detail and accuracy
AdTech Ceramics offers a competitive salary and benefit package.