Purchasing Agent at Menk USA in Sterling, IL

The Purchasing Agent is responsbile to support the day to day funcions of the Company by performing tasks related to Purchasing, Receiving and Inventory Management. This position manages both value and risk within the supply base and ensures that supplier pricing, processes and quality meet or exceed business requirements. Reports to Operations Manager and acts as the primary conduit for communication between Menk and the vendors. Maintains procurement activities for the Company. Collaborates closely with vendors. Under direct supervision of the Operations Manager, negotiates favorable terms, volume discounts and long-term contracts with suppliers, and prepares and processes requisitions and purchase orders for the procurement of technical equipment, custom engineered products, systems, software or components. Acquires and maintains understanding of technology trends, market forces, cost trends, and supplier technology road maps. Reviews purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy, and discusses defects and delivery problems with suppliers and negotiates refunds.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Purchasing Strategy & Cost Management

• Develop and implement effective sourcing strategies.
• Regularly perform detailed analysis of purchased items, including price trending data.
• Work with Vendors, the Competitiveness Leader, Sales, and Production to reduce material pricing and costs through alternative materials or suppliers.
• Prepare purchase orders by verifying specifications and pricing, obtaining supplier recommendations for substitute items, and securing necessary approvals.

1. Purchasing & Order Management

• Order standard production materials while considering supplier lead times, current pricing, inventory levels, and production forecasts to ensure materials are available when needed and production schedules are maintained.
• Obtain purchased items by forwarding orders to suppliers, monitoring orders, and expediting deliveries as necessary.
• Monitor daily status of parts to ensure orders are on track for on-time delivery.
• Communicate immediately with Managers and Supervisors, Sales, and Operations when notified of potential or actual delivery delays.
• Follow established workflows and approval processes for all purchasing activities.
• Receive materials delivered into the ERP system.

1. Supplier & Vendor Management

• Initiate, perform, and complete the New Supplier Qualification process, including obtaining Form W-9 and Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI), where applicable.
• Contact suppliers when issues arise with invoicing, packing slips, or damaged goods.
• Resolve shipment errors with suppliers.
• Ensure vendor-performed Preventive Maintenance is scheduled with suppliers to maintain on-time KPI performance.

• Ensure Certificates of Liability Insurance are obtained before vendors perform services for the Company and are updated as necessary.

1. Inventory & Materials Management

• Perform inventory cycle counts of elements, pipe, flanges, paint, steel coils, and other materials, reconciling discrepancies within the ERP system.
• Maintain ERP system reorder points, order quantities, and lead times while monitoring requirements to prevent shortages of parts and raw materials.
• Review Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Routers to determine necessary changes when parts are obsoleted or replaced.
• Maintain accurate scrap logs and ensure Safety receives updated material information, including new materials or changes to existing materials, so SDS books remain current and compliant.

1. Regulatory & Program Compliance

• Track and maintain compliance with the Lumber Heat Treat Export Program.

1. Administrative & General Responsibilities

• Maintain accessible information by sorting and filing documents.
• Accomplish purchasing and organizational objectives by completing related duties and responsibilities as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational goals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong follow up and excellent attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, a positive attitude.
• Ability to adhere to timelines
• Problem solving and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated ability to quickly absorb and utilize complex information.
• Supply Management
• Vendor Relationships
• Time Management
• Basic office Equipment – Print/copy/fax machine, computer, phone
• Familiar with MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3-5 years' Purchasing experience preferred.
• Customer Service oriented; exceptional interpersonal Skills
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing and purchasing methodologies
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and supplier audit processes

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Key Working Relationships

• The Purchasing Agent reports to the Operations Manager
• Internal contact with personnel from various departments including Finance, Production, Operations Leaders, Quality, Sales/Marketing, & Leaders.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, stoop, squat, and kneel for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds when required.
• The ability to travel throughout the facility is required to conduct job duties.

Quality Related Responsibilities

• Ensure work is performed in accordance with the requirements of Menk USA LLC ISO 9001:2015 based on quality management system including adhering to appropriate policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

Primarily performed in an office environment with periodic exposure to the production floor. Employees may be exposed to noise, moving machinery, and varying temperatures. Proper personal protective equipment

(PPE) must be worn as required. Occasional travel may be required for training or to support other company locations.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, employment and education verification, a pre-employment drug test, and a job-specific lift test, if applicable to job duties.

Additional Role Criteria: In addition to the above, all personnel must meet the minimum competency criteria within their role, as defined by the company's training matrix, and are required to complete the appropriate training. These competencies will be assessed through the performance appraisal system.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, employment and education verification, a pre-employment drug test, and a job-specific lift test, if applicable to job duties.