Purchasing Agent

Founded in 1995, National Products, Inc. began supplying the world with our industry leading RAM Mounting Systems. Relied on by the world’s most rugged industries, we serve motorcycle riders, kayak fishermen, police and fire, farmers, miners, pilots, extreme sports enthusiasts and many others with mounting solutions for high vibration environments. We manufacture mounts for action cameras, tablets, smartphones, laptops, and many different displays across nearly every mobile market. Made in the USA (South Seattle), we are proud to offer a lifetime warranty on most products.

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing and buying parts globally. This position requires strong communication skills and must have experience purchasing and procuring a variety of materials and/or components in a MRP/ERP based manufacturing environment. The individual filling this role will work closely with co-workers and supervisors and must be able to develop and maintain strong working relationships.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Manage day-to-day supplier relationships.

- Plan, organize, and coordinate activities related to the procurement function. Work with vendors to maintain and/or improve service levels as required.

- Identify and evaluate potential suppliers; proactively seek and evaluate new qualified suppliers.

- Work closely with suppliers to reduce costs of materials and meet quality/delivery requirements.

- Develop relationships with secondary suppliers for redundancy.

- Lead competitive bidding and pricing processes. Review bids and proposals for competitive cost, quality, and facility/customer specification requirements.

- Work with Accounting to resolve invoice and purchasing order variances.

- Maintain a system to evaluate vendor quotations that utilizes appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure quality, price, delivery, and service.

- Troubleshoot vendor and supplier issues; work closely with internal and external stakeholders to determine appropriate preventive or corrective actions as needed.

- Understand and support sourcing and purchasing requirements for day to day operations.

- Review standard pricing updates.

- Participate in internal/external audits related to the purchasing function.

- Conduct spend analysis, identify cost saving opportunities.

- Regularly review purchasing agreements to ensure value and service.

- Establish and maintain close working relationships with vendors.

- Monitor, evaluate, and report on the performance of suppliers.

- Maintain documentation for all purchasing decisions.

- Prepare instructions regarding purchasing systems and procedures.

- Use computer to log entries.

Skills and Qualifications

- Five or more years’ experience in manufacturing supply chain management/purchasing is required.

- Three or more years of buying experience in a Purchasing Department.

- Strong working knowledge of ERP software.

- Excellent working knowledge of forecasting inventory-needs, planning and control.

- Strong understanding and experience with logistics, LTL freight, and related shipping services.

- Experienced and skilled using Excel, Word, and Outlook.

- Firm understanding of Purchasing/Inventory/Accounting/General Ledger/Accounts Payable concepts and how they are integrated and work together.

- Candidate should possess excellent communication skills, should be process oriented and results driven.

Competencies

- Personal Organization: Ability to prioritize and organize tasks for best results. Ability to handle multiple projects and duties with tight deadlines.

- Communication: Clear and professional verbal and email communications with customers, vendors, and fellow employees. Pleasant and positive personality.

- Problem-solving: Ability to identify problems, gather and analyze data, and find solutions. Creative thinker that cooperates with others to incorporate their ideas.

- Negotiation: Proven track record in negotiating with suppliers to achieve cost reductions and other concessions that improve financial and operational effectiveness.

Education

- Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred.

- Completion of an APICS/ISM/Supply Chain certification program is highly-desired.

The Purchasing Agent position is full time and located in our Seattle office.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location:

• One location

Paid Training:

• Yes

Management:

• Ops Manager

Company's website:

• www.rammount.com

Benefit Conditions:

• Waiting period may apply

Work Remotely:

• No

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

• Personal protective equipment provided or required
• Plastic shield at work stations
• Temperature screenings
• Social distancing guidelines in place
• Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place