We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Purchasing Agent to join our Supply Chain team. In this role, you will be responsible for purchasing inventory, maintaining optimal stock levels across multiple distribution centers, and ensuring materials are available to meet customer demand. You'll work closely with suppliers, internal operations, demand planning, and accounts payable to support efficient procurement processes while balancing inventory costs and freight optimization.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with purchasing, procurement, inventory planning, or supply chain experience who enjoys data analysis, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced distribution environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase inventory and maintain appropriate stock levels across multiple warehouse locations.
• Utilize ERP and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to forecast inventory needs and place purchase orders.
• Analyze purchasing reports to optimize inventory while minimizing freight costs through efficient container, truckload, and LTL planning.
• Partner with Supply Chain Analytics to improve demand planning and forecast accuracy.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively prevent stock shortages.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
• Review supplier performance and assist with supplier evaluations.
• Resolve receiving discrepancies, damaged shipments, and urgent delivery issues with suppliers and branch teams.
• Analyze inventory turns and identify opportunities to improve inventory efficiency.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure prompt payment discounts are achieved.
• Manage overdue purchase orders, supplier backorders, and inventory transfers while communicating updates to internal stakeholders.
• Support product master data updates to maintain accurate purchasing information.
• Analyze purchasing trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 2+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience required.
• Distribution, wholesale, or logistics industry experience preferred.
• Experience using ERP and/or MRP systems.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to analyze purchasing and inventory data.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of supplier management, sourcing practices, and procurement processes.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screening.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers and office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based with regular collaboration across purchasing, operations, warehouse, and accounting teams. The work environment is professional, collaborative, and fast-paced.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is proactive, analytical, and thrives on keeping inventory flowing efficiently. They enjoy working with data, building supplier relationships, solving supply chain challenges, and making purchasing decisions that positively impact business operations.