What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Agent position at Weissman?
Brief Description
ABOUT US
At Weissman, located in St. Louis, Missouri, we've been the heartbeat of the dance community for 60 incredible years. As a privately held, medium-sized company, we're not just another manufacturer - we're the driving force behind the dance industry's most stunning costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house, infusing passion and expertise into every creation.
What drives us? Our extraordinary team! We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly investing in our people, products, and technology to stay ahead.
Why join us? Because here, you're not just an employee - you're a valued member of a passionate community dedicated to making dreams a reality. We're not just creating costumes and dancewear; we're empowering performances, sparking creativity, and celebrating the artistry of dance.
If you're ready to unleash your creativity, be part of something bigger, and make an impact in an exciting, dynamic industry, Weissman is the place for you. Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage.
JOB TITLE
Purchasing Agent
LOCATION
St. Louis, Missouri (Hybrid)
HYBRID POLICY
70% On-Site
30% Work-from-Home
Job Summary
The Purchasing Agent plays a critical role in supporting purchasing and inventory operations by managing the full purchase order lifecycle from creation through fulfillment. This role is responsible for communicating with vendors, ensuring accuracy across all order details, maintaining delivery timelines, and proactively addressing issues as they arise. Success in this role requires strong follow-through, analytical thinking, and the ability to collaborate across internal teams while maintaining accurate reporting that supports visibility into stock levels and product movement.
This role will work closely with the Inventory Planner and key cross-functional partners, including traffic and customer service, to ensure stock availability aligns with business demands. The Purchasing Agent also contributes to inventory strategy by maintaining vendor documentation, supporting compliance with purchasing standards, and helping minimize excess inventory while meeting delivery expectations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Responsibilities
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Merchandising, or related field preferred.
Experience
1 to 3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain roles, preferably in fashion, apparel, or a related manufacturing environment.
Knowledge, Skills Abilities
At Weissman, we take care of our people. Full-time salaried employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision (100% employer-paid), dental, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). We offer a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, as well as Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Time away from work is important too—we provide generous Paid Time Off (PTO), four floating holidays annually, and nine company-observed holidays. Our benefits also include paid parental and adoption leave, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential support resources, and access to wellness and mental health services. Benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
ABOUT US
At Weissman, located in St. Louis, Missouri, we've been the heartbeat of the dance community for 60 incredible years. As a privately held, medium-sized company, we're not just another manufacturer - we're the driving force behind the dance industry's most stunning costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house, infusing passion and expertise into every creation.
What drives us? Our extraordinary team! We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly investing in our people, products, and technology to stay ahead.
Why join us? Because here, you're not just an employee - you're a valued member of a passionate community dedicated to making dreams a reality. We're not just creating costumes and dancewear; we're empowering performances, sparking creativity, and celebrating the artistry of dance.
If you're ready to unleash your creativity, be part of something bigger, and make an impact in an exciting, dynamic industry, Weissman is the place for you. Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage.
JOB TITLE
Purchasing Agent
LOCATION
St. Louis, Missouri (Hybrid)
HYBRID POLICY
70% On-Site
30% Work-from-Home
Job Summary
The Purchasing Agent plays a critical role in supporting purchasing and inventory operations by managing the full purchase order lifecycle from creation through fulfillment. This role is responsible for communicating with vendors, ensuring accuracy across all order details, maintaining delivery timelines, and proactively addressing issues as they arise. Success in this role requires strong follow-through, analytical thinking, and the ability to collaborate across internal teams while maintaining accurate reporting that supports visibility into stock levels and product movement.
This role will work closely with the Inventory Planner and key cross-functional partners, including traffic and customer service, to ensure stock availability aligns with business demands. The Purchasing Agent also contributes to inventory strategy by maintaining vendor documentation, supporting compliance with purchasing standards, and helping minimize excess inventory while meeting delivery expectations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Responsibilities
- Manage the complete purchase order process with a high degree of accuracy from creation through fulfillment.
- Communicate regularly with assigned vendors to ensure on-time delivery and resolution of order-related issues.
- Monitor and update the weekly Work-in-Progress (WIP) report, investigating delays or discrepancies.
- Track, investigate, and resolve purchase order variances including pricing, quantity, and delivery issues.
- Partner with the traffic team to prioritize shipments and expedite delayed or urgent orders.
- Maintain and distribute the weekly in-stock tracking report with clear, actionable comments.
- Notify customer service of orders requiring scheduling changes to support accurate customer communication.
- Maintain and update vendor contracts and related documentation in compliance with policy.
- Support execution of inventory and purchasing strategies to optimize product availability and minimize excess inventory.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment between order activity, inventory needs, and business priorities.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Merchandising, or related field preferred.
Experience
1 to 3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain roles, preferably in fashion, apparel, or a related manufacturing environment.
Knowledge, Skills Abilities
- Knowledge of purchase order processes, supplier management, and inventory control best practices.
- Familiarity with fashion/apparel materials, manufacturing, or sourcing preferred.
- Understanding of supply chain and logistics principles including forecasting, lead times, and material flow.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business-related technology platforms (ERP, SAP, or similar systems).
- Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
At Weissman, we take care of our people. Full-time salaried employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision (100% employer-paid), dental, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). We offer a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, as well as Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Time away from work is important too—we provide generous Paid Time Off (PTO), four floating holidays annually, and nine company-observed holidays. Our benefits also include paid parental and adoption leave, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential support resources, and access to wellness and mental health services. Benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment.