Purchasing Agent
Purchasing Agent
Howard Industries is the leading manufacturer of liquid-filled distribution transformers for the utility and commercial/industrial markets with over 3200 employees (the 2nd largest private employer in Mississippi) and 800 million in revenue. The corporation consists of 5 main divisions: Howard Transformers, which is the largest producer of distribution transformers in the U.S., Howard Lighting, Howard Transportation, Howard Technology Solutions, and the newest division, Howard Medical. Howard Industries offers an excellent compensation and benefits package and is located in Laurel, Mississippi, a charming and historic city located thirty minutes from Hattiesburg, one hour from the Gulf Coast and two hours from New Orleans.
Description
Essential Functions:
- Purchase parts and products from distributors and manufacturers to fill customer orders and maintain inventory.
- Have an in depth understanding of their product lines as well as purchasing processes.
- Review and analyze purchase orders for the assigned product lines
- Establish and maintain vendor partner relationships.
- Work with partners as well as Sales to make necessary changes to purchase orders to fulfill those for our customers in a timely manner.
- Explain important internal processes to our vendor partners and Account Managers.
- Create processes with our vendor partners that align with our business.
- Continually update the status of aging purchase orders, follow up with partners for information on scheduled shipments.
- Maintain part # information within Howard Industries database, updating pricing and any additional product line instructions that need to be provided to Sales.
- Negotiate pricing for Howard Industries to achieve the best pricing discount.
- Participate in conference calls with our vendor partners and our internal customers..
- Provide guidance to fellow coworkers and promote best business practices.
- Maintain internal customer relationships with different departments by maintaining professionalism and courtesy when working with others.
- Develop and follow profitable purchasing strategies and preparing/implementing effective negotiation tactics.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Able to work with vendor partners on improvement to the current process.
- Assist in customer services requests
- Can take initiative to dig into issues and process inefficiencies with the partner, not waiting for management direction.
- Reconciles invoices with PO’s in preparation for payment process
- Maintain accurate delivery dates in the system
- Respond to CSR’s within 24 hours
- Respond to emails within 2 hours
- Handling escalated issues when necessary
- Working with the team to manage daily workflow so that all inquiries are responded to by close of business
- Evaluate current processes and work on recommendations with management
- Requires instructions only on new procedures, but is able to determine how to proceed when given new lines.
- Has a solid understanding of the job requirements and responsibilities and applies acquired skills in a day to day business.
- Attend events, fairs and exhibitions to keep abreast of market trends
- Analytical mindset, ability to research and compare suppliers in terms of quality, service, and price.
- Develop and follow profitable purchasing strategies and preparing/implementing effective negotiation tactics.
Organizational Relationships: Reports directly to the Purchasing Manager
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Minimum 2-3 years of Purchasing experience
- Experience in technical purchasing is preferred
- 1-2 years of experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and email applications.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to problem solve and multi-task
- Must be detail focused
- Must be able to work independently and in a team oriented environment
- Must be able to communicate effectively and in a constructive manner with Management, Peers and Coworkers
Benefits: Medical and Dental Insurance· 401K with employer match· 9 Paid Holidays· 10 Paid Vacation Days
Equal Opportunity Employer Vet/Disabled