Procurement Agent

Basic Function: Project Procurement consists of the timely and cost-effective acquisition of quality materials, supplies and resources. It also includes coordinating with associated groups and leading the resolution of purchasing problems. Procure, with minimal supervision, goods and services involving substantial financial commitments, technical complexities, or high priority. Ensure compliance with the Company’s established quality standards and business requirements, and promote customer satisfaction.

Typical duties/responsibilities for supply management and transportation may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Prepare and implement procurement plans and schedules, and, as required, lead and coordinate efforts of a project team. Request supplier quotations, coordinating with technical or material management specialists to ensure proper communication of requirements. Determine suppliers’ ability to provide, within strict schedule commitments, high priority or complex technical products and/or services. Prepare bid tabulations and select lowest qualified bid.

Negotiate agreements with suppliers to obtain best terms and conditions for the Company. Issue purchase orders and supplements in accordance with established policies and procedures. Negotiate and issue blanket/open purchase orders for repetitive requirements. Conduct in-depth evaluations of suppliers’ performance and identify performance issues. As appropriate, recommend alternative sources of supply to minimize problems.

Enforce terms and conditions of purchase orders, and compliance with legal requirements and Company policy. Resolve non-conformance issues, back-charges and claims in a timely manner to minimize the Company’s exposure. Review questionable situations and interact with other groups to ensure customer satisfaction.

Develop long-term continuous improvement supply management agreements with suppliers. Evaluate and make recommendations regarding introduction of advanced procurement technologies and other measures to achieve operating efficiencies and increase customer satisfaction. Provide technical assistance to less experienced staff.

Complexity of Tasks: Requires strong analytical skills, and understanding of complex drawings and specifications, contract law, commercial terms, standard procurement procedures and related Company policies. Requires thorough knowledge of application of supply management tools and quality processes. Requires ability to rapidly respond to unforeseen developments and initiate actions to reduce adverse impact. Interfacing with other groups, leading a project team, enforcing contract stipulations, negotiating prices and terms for purchases, require strong communications skills. Errors typically result in loss of time or rework and may impact customer relations.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in business or related field plus 5 to 8 years of experience, or alternatively, a special combination of education and experience and/or demonstrated accomplishments.