Industrial Supplies Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent – Fasteners

Company Overview & Job Summary

We are a well-established, family-owned leader in industrial distribution specializing in high-quality fasteners and custom supply chain solutions. We are seeking a sharp, proactive Purchasing Agent with expertise in fasteners and global importing to optimize our procurement strategy. In this role, you will build strong vendor relationships, negotiate international sourcing, manage import logistics, and balance inventory with sales forecasts to ensure our supply chain runs seamlessly.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Vendor & Supply Chain Management: Research, evaluate, and compare products and pricing from various domestic and international vendors. Cultivate strong, long-term vendor relationships to ensure high-quality product sourcing and competitive pricing.
• Importing & Logistics Management: Oversee overseas procurement, customs clearance procedures, tariff tracking, container bookings, and international freight logistics to ensure timely import of goods.
• Inventory Control & Expediting: Monitor current inventory levels, generate purchase orders, and track shipments from origin to warehouse delivery. Proactively expedite delayed orders to prevent stockouts and support sales demand.
• Financial & Compliance Oversight: Authorize supplier invoices, match POs with receiving documentation, and forward invoices through accounts payable while ensuring compliance with established vendor agreements.
• Demand Forecasting: Utilize sales trend analysis and inventory reports to forecast future purchasing needs, optimizing stock levels to balance availability with holding costs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with sales, customer service, and warehouse teams to address stock inquiries, resolve vendor discrepancies, and align purchasing with customer demand (including custom kitting or Vendor Managed Inventory programs).

Requirements and Qualifications

Experience: 3 years of purchasing or procurement experience within the industrial supply, fastener, hardware, or distribution sector. Proven experience with international sourcing and overseas importing processes is required.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and industry experience).
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with ERP/MRP inventory management systems and standard office productivity software (Microsoft Excel/Word/Outlook or Google Workspace).
• Analytical & Forecasting Skills: Strong aptitude for data analysis, inventory control, and sales forecasting to effectively balance supply and demand.
• Communication & Negotiation: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities with strong negotiation skills for dealing with global suppliers, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders.
• Detail-Oriented & Organized: High level of accuracy in handling POs, tariff codes, customs documentation, invoice matching, and tracking international supply chains.

What We Offer

We value hard work and offer a supportive, relationship-driven culture alongside a comprehensive benefits program:

• Competitive starting salary commensurate with experience.
• Medical insurance with 50% company contribution (with the option to add dental and vision).
• Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Short-term and Long-term Disability.
• Simple IRA with a company match.
• Company performance bonus opportunities.