PURCHASING AGENT

Purchasing Agent - West Des Moines, IA Department : Operations / Purchasing Jo b Status : Full-Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Report s To : Purchasing Manager Work Schedule: Monday-Friday Normal Business Hours Positions Supervised: None Position Summary The Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring raw materials, components, supplies, services, and equipment necessary to support manufacturing operations while maintaining optimal inventory levels, quality standards, and cost objectives. This position develops and maintains supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, monitors inventory requirements, and collaborates closely with production, engineering, quality, and accounting teams to ensure uninterrupted operations. The Purchasing Agent also supports the organization’s material regulatory compliance program by ensuring supplier documentation, certifications, and regulatory requirements are maintained for purchased materials. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, and proactive, with experience in manufacturing purchasing, inventory management, and supplier relationship management. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Purchasing & Procurement Purchase raw materials, components, packaging materials, MRO supplies, equipment, and services required for manufacturing operations. Review and process purchase requisitions and generate purchase orders in the ERP system. Monitor inventory levels and replenish stock based on demand forecasts, lead times, and production schedules. Expedite critical orders to prevent production interruptions. Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier files, and documentation. Supplier Management Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors. Solicit quotations and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, service, and delivery performance. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, freight arrangements, and delivery schedules. Monitor supplier performance and address quality, delivery, or service issues. Participate in supplier reviews and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure suppliers maintain qualified quality certifications (ISO 9001, IATF, or other applicable certifications. Monitor supplier compliance with customer-specific quality and regulatory requirements. Inventory & Planning Support Collaborate with production scheduling and operations teams to forecast material requirements. Analyze inventory levels, usage trends, and demand patterns to reduce excess inventory while maintaining service levels. Assist with cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliation activities. Identify opportunities to reduce inventory carrying costs and improve inventory turns. Cost Management Support annual budgeting and cost reduction initiatives. Analyze material cost trends and identify savings opportunities. Participate in value engineering and supplier cost improvement projects. Monitor and report purchase price variances and material cost changes. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Operations, Production, Sales, Quality, and Accounting departments to support business objectives. Coordinate material changes, supplier transitions, and new product launches. Assist in resolving receiving discrepancies, invoice discrepancies, and supplier quality concerns. Support internal, customer, ISO, and regulatory audits by providing purchasing records, supplier certifications, material compliance documentation, and traceability records. Continuous Improvement Recommend process improvements that enhance purchasing efficiency and supplier performance. Assist with ERP system enhancements and purchasing workflow improvements. Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.