Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agents manage commodity purchasing to support production needs across Peterson Farms Inc and its family of companies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluating suppliers by considering price, quality, availability and other criteria
• Interviewing vendors and visiting suppliers’ facilities to learn about products, services and pricing
• Negotiating contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain the best deals on behalf of the company
• Verifying purchases by comparing them to a primary list and recommending alternatives for expensive or irrelevant products
• Interacting with suppliers to schedule delivery times and resolve shipping errors
• Authorizing payments and maintaining receipts, records and inventories
• Maintain and review computerized or manual records of items purchased, costs, delivery, product performance, and inventories. 
• Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and internet sites, and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services. 
• Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies. 
• Assist with vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services and prices. 
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

·        Associate’s degree in business or related field

·        B.S. in Business or Supply Chain preferred

Work Experience

• 2-4 years purchasing experience. 
• Experience in a manufacturing environment. 
• Experience in purchasing MRO, Equipment and services. 
• Relevant experience working in the food processing industry (preferred). 

Skills and Knowledge

·        Proficient using PC, via keyboard/mouse, and various software applications (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite and Kronos).

·        Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity and privacy of confidential information.

·        Ability to work well under pressure and quickly assess and respond appropriately to questions.

·        Ability to adapt to change and learn quickly.

·        Good organizational skills.

·        Excellent attention to detail.

·        Excellent communication skills.

·        Ability to work as a contributing member within the team.

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

As part of a team-based work environment, must be able to demonstrate the following Job Competencies:

Job Competencies

• Team Orientation – Shows skill and ease at working in groups; works with others to achieve better results and forges close working relationships and alliances to get things done; is quick to cooperate versus expect others to bend to his/her wishes; supports joint ownership and shared recognition for results; recognizes advantages of group participation in planning and problem solving.
• Attention to Detail – Committed to exactness and precision in task completion; identifies, pays attention to, and works to understand details; thorough and consistent in following up at detail level; seeks to become expert in disciplines related to adopted career path to ensure quality and precision in work; takes pride in knowledge base and level of expertise.
• Takes Personal Responsibility in Individual Contributor Role – Demonstrates attitude and commitment to take personal responsibility for results, even when in team environment with no authority over others; will step up to fill gaps so results can be assured; avoids excuses as explanations or defending/justifying negative but preventable outcomes.
• Practical Intelligence – Absorbs new information quickly and is comfortable dealing with abstract concepts and relationships; relates new information to previously acquired knowledge to expand and refine frame of reference; enjoys learning and expanding breadth and depth of understanding on variety of subjects.
• Reliability/Dependability – Responds to internal customer needs, questions, and concerns in accurate and timely manner. Follows through on commitments, assignments, and tasks; is at work when scheduled; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses work time wisely.
• Respects Diversity – Respects the Company’s diverse workforce and behaves in a manner that does not cause harm to others based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religious believes.
• Adaptability – Has ability to focus on the benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive, objective manner, views change as learning opportunity; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Positive Working Relationships – Listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; shares information and knowledge; demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty.
• Focus – Maintains focus on tasks and does not stray from job assignments.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

·        Noise level in work environment is moderate; Standard office setting.