Purchasing Agent

PURCHASING AGENT

ROLE OVERVIEW

Kwik Lok’s Purchasing Agents are responsible for all aspects of manufacturing supply chain procurement, including quoting, price negotiation, purchasing inventory, prototype materials, tooling, and services. This role requires assessment of vendor shop capacity and lead time, to coordinate with project lead times and due dates. Purchasing Agents actively work on the definition and resolution of known or anticipated challenges with value, quality, feasibility, and specifications in the procurement of goods and services while contributing to cost savings, partnerships with suppliers, and other value-added activities.

This position upholds the Kwik Lok Corporation philosophies with dedication to continuous improvement in food safety, quality, and integrity.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

Operations

• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate order quantities and data processing within NetSuite
• Maintain inventory levels to support operations for all Kwik Lok locations
• Create and prepare purchase orders, issue and review RFQ’s within set deadlines, and review requisitions for goods and services
• Procure material based on sales demand and order point

Vendor Relationship Management

• Negotiate or renegotiate pricing and contracts to ensure lowest cost with highest quality materials
• Manage relationships with suppliers to maintain quality and timely delivery
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on safety, price, quality, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier’s reputation and history

Purchasing Strategy

• Analyze data to result in leaner buying practices
• Monitor changes affecting supply and demand – tracking market conditions, price trends, or future markets
• Proactively participate with Purchasing Manager to innovative ways to improve the procurement process, cycle times, and customer service levels

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent Required; Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field preferred
• Years of Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ experience purchasing in a manufacturing environment
• Understanding of manufacturing requirements
• Experience negotiating with vendors or customers
• Proficient in measuring data related to supplier performance
• Comprehensive understanding of NetSuite, MS Excel, MS Word, MS Outlook, and industry standard purchase order software platforms
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Must be able to pass pre-employment drug and background screenings

KEY SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to analyze data and put to action
• Impeccable attention to detail
• Expert communication skills (both written and verbal) to support pleasant interactions with suppliers and a multi-layered workforce.
• Seeks and accepts feedback for personal development
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a productive manner as well as be a team player
• Highly organized individual who can manage multiple tasks
• Innovative thinker who seeks continuous improvement for products and processes

ALL THE DETAILS…

• Pay scale: $29.25 to $40.30/hour, depending on experience
• Insurance Benefits:Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life and Disability Insurance plans
• Retirement Benefits:401(k) Plan with company match (90 day waiting period - restrictions apply)
• Paid Time Off:(90 day waiting period, prorated for first year)
  • Vacation: 120 hours a year, with increases based on years of service
  • Holidays: 70 hours a year (8.5 days): 1 Floating Holiday, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following, half day on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
  • Sick Leave: 40 hours a year, accrued at 1 hour per 40 hours worked for hourly employees, salary employees prorated for first year
• Other Compensation: Eligible for commissions program. May be eligible for annual performance bonuses.
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm
• Location: In-office, Yakima, WA
• Work environment: Occasionally bends, squats, reaches, kneels, and may lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion. Constantly seeing, hearing, talking.

To learn more about Kwik Lok, visit www.kwiklok.com.

Kwik Lok is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. We value a diverse workforce and provides equal opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, or status as a veteran. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To view labor compliance information, click here.