Purchasing Agent/Buyer

Stevens offers an excellent benefits package including Health, Dental & Vision, Life, Disability Insurance, Paid Holidays, Vacation, & the top retirement and 401(k) plan in the local region.

All applications and inquires will be kept confidential.

Stevens Industries is a full-line manufacturer of quality laminated products, from panels to furniture. Located in South Central Illinois, Stevens is viewed as the industry leader in architecturally specified thermo-fused laminate (TFL) panels. We employ 500 plus associates in our 3 shift facility. Because of continued growth, Stevens is currently seeking a Purchasing Agent for our 1st Shift operation.

The Purchasing Agent or Buyer is responsible for placing orders, expediting back orders, processing paperwork for stock and no-stock items. The buyer is responsible for developing new sources for material and determining what materials and supplies to purchase while tracking data and analyzing current practices. Will also locate vendors and place orders for items, materials, or services of a technical or specialized nature. This position will assist the purchasing manager in the supervision of clerks and junior buyers.

· Establish approved vendors at the lowest cost, consistent with quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need, negotiate with them on an ongoing basis

· Work out of the office or the maintenance crib, flex hours may be necessary on occasion

· Locate vendors and place orders for items, materials, or services of a technical and specialized nature

· Process requisitions for supplies, research products, clarify specifications and document competitive bidding

· Follow up back orders, expedite with the company and make special arrangements for delivery, as well as communicate to the department the expected delivery date

· Research and select vendors in given circumstances, evaluate vendor job performance; utilize different vendor sources to fill orders as directed

· Maintain up to date filing system on pricing and vendors to insure immediate and accurate access to information

· Search out alternate vendors or supplies during periods of shortages or stockouts

· Schedule and coordinate work with other staff as related to expeditious handling of purchasing requirements

· Confer with purchasing and accounting departments in solving complex problems pertaining to procurement and accounting

· Establish and maintain effective communications with vendors and department heads

· Performance other duties as assigned. The preceding duties are representative of the assignments performed by this position and are not intended to be inclusive

· Bachelors degree in business administration or a related field OR equivalent work experience

· Requires three years experience as a buyer or purchasing agent or any combination of experience, education, or training, which would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and abilities required

· Knowledge of purchasing and purchasing standards, procedures, and practices

· Ability to perform metric conversions

· Ability to read materials to interpret and analyze content such as technical reports, research papers

· Ability to compose or modify text to explain or describe administrative, financial, technical, or other such information requiring some analysis and creativity

· Ability to perform computations or analyses using basic statistical, financial, or logical concepts

· Ability to solve problems that are frequent and unique. Work is governed by broad directions, objectives and policies. Because conditions change frequently, the Purchasing Agent must use creativity and judgment. There is considerable latitude in the decisions made

· Ability to make decisions and/or final recommendations which affect multiple departments or a division

· Ability to establish priorities effectively to manage time to complete duties with specified time frames

· Ability to complete tasks using latitude to decide what is to be done and when the work is to be completed. Results are reviewed for overall adherence to established objectives, policies, or budgets

· Ability to communicate to present, advise or negotiate business issues where very little precedent exists (e.g., sensitive customer/vendor or public relations issues, negotiating contracts, etc.)

· Ability to use wide array of office machines, also knowledge of computer purchasing and inventory control system

· Ability to teach others on subjects related to buying decisions

· Willingness to continue education and attend vendor and training seminars

· Responsible for setting cost for Accounting to calculate standard inventory valuation

· Negotiate prices with vendors