Purpose: As the Purchasing Agent, you will be responsible for working closely with the Purchasing Supervisor and internal customers on buying products and services. You will be charged with analyzing past buying trends, inventory stock levels, product mix, and repair history to optimize inventory points. Products purchased must meet company specifications and quality standards as outlined in the Procurement Policy & Procedure Manual. This position will also work with multiple departments to determine supply needs, purchasing timelines, and prepare request for quotes (RFQ’s).

Position Reports to: Purchasing Supervisor

Principal Job Functions:

• Maintain optimum inventory levels for fuel, lubricants and stocked items.
• Identifies the best sourcing options and prepares and submits quote requests to the selected suppliers.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with key suppliers as necessary.
• Strategic purchasing which includes supplier negotiation, supplier evaluation and selection.
• Purchase MRO items as needed.
• Perform additional procurement-related functions as needed.
• Track usage and inventory trends of all inventory.
• Follow up on backorders to ensure product ultimately is delivered.
• Understand and adhere to all State, Local and Federal guidelines and regulations
• Obtains purchased items by preparing, verifying and forwarding purchase orders to ranked vendors.
• Ability to read and understand parts manuals
• Keeps information accessible by sorting and filing documents
• Maintains computerized procurement records for services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories
• Participates in physical inventories

The principal duties are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job, and must be performed unaided or with assistance of reasonable accommodations. Other responsibilities are those functions which are considered incidental or secondary to the purpose of the job. This job description does not imply that the above are the only duties assigned to the position. Employee may be required to perform any other job related duties as requested by management.

Physical Requirements with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Physical activity includes but not limited to: sitting, standing, lifting, reaching, walking, writing, carrying, grasping, holding, clarity or vision, speaking, listening.
• Must be able to operate office equipment, including but not limited to telephone system, typewriter, computer system, printer, copy machine, facsimile machine, adding machine, and camera equipment.

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to work assigned schedule and work overtime as needed
• Respond to emergency situations (such as reporting to work early/staying late due to bad weather)
• Maintains effective working relationship with all levels of employees
• Maintain confidentiality
• Understand and carry out detailed written or verbal instructions with little supervision
• Receives, counts product and accurately reports figures
• Have good problem solving skills
• Perform repetitive work
• Meet required deadlines
• Must adhere to all safety rules
• Have a valid TN driver’s license

Recommended Preparation for Employment:

Associate’s degree in business administration or supply chain management, or the equivalent of three years of experience in a purchasing position, preferably in a transit or fleet operating environment. Proficient in Crystal Reports, MS Office suite, including but not limited to, Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint, Outlook email, Ron Turley software or similar fleet management system. Must have the abilities to learn new computer programs (software and applications).

Classification under Fair Labor Standards Act: Exempt

WeGo Public Transit is an EOE.