Watchfire

Purchasing Agent

Watchfire  •  Danville, IL (Onsite)  •  17 hours ago
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Job Description

Purchasing Agent

Summary

The Purchasing Agent will play a vital role in procurement by sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing goods and services for our organization. This role is responsible for ensuring that the procurement activities align with the company's goals and objectives, while also maintaining efficient and cost-effective purchasing procedures. The Purchasing Agent will collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as the supply chain team, finance department, and production teams, to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods and services. This role requires strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and market knowledge to achieve optimal results.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement procurement strategies and plans per, company goals and objectives.
  • Identify and evaluate potential suppliers and negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing agreements to ensure favorable terms and conditions.
  • Manage and maintain relationships with existing suppliers.
  • Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, market conditions, and opportunities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand their requirements and provide procurement solutions that meet their needs.
  • Review MRP/ERP material requirements and generate purchase orders or requisitions as needed.
  • Monitor inventory levels, lead times, open purchase orders, and material availability.
  • Coordinate with suppliers to confirm pricing, lead times, order quantities, and delivery schedules.
  • Analyze demand forecasts and historical usage to identify purchasing requirements.
  • Maintain appropriate safety-stock and inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
  • Prepare purchasing, inventory, and supply reports and communicate key issues to management.
  • Evaluate supplier performance and conduct regular performance reviews to ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to optimize procurement processes and reduce expenses.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, new products, and market conditions to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier information.
  • Identify potential supply risks and develop contingency plans.
  • Ensure a stable supply chain by diversifying suppliers.

Qualifications/Skills:

  • Strong negotiation skills with the ability to drive favorable outcomes.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to analyze market trends, pricing, and supplier performance.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Proficient in using procurement software and tools to streamline processes and manage data effectively.
  • Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in contracts, pricing, and specifications.
  • Problem-solving skills to address issues and find creative solutions.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Proactive and result-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
  • Proven experience as a Buyer or in a similar procurement role, preferably in a senior capacity.
  • Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, market trends, and supplier management.
  • Proficient in using procurement software and tools.
  • Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements related to procurement.
  • Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) are preferred.
  • Strong analytical and numerical skills.
  • Ability to travel as required.
  • Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations related to procurement.

Education and Licensing

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business/Supply Chain/ or Accounting preferred

Benefits

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Company Paid Life/ADD
  • Voluntary Life/ADD
  • Dependent Life/ADD
  • 401k with Employer Match
  • Vacation
  • Personal Time

*Watchfire is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.

*Legal authorization to work in the US required. We will not consider candidates who need sponsorship, now or in the future, to be legally employed in the US. No H1B, OPT, CPT or other “temporary work authorization” candidates will be considered.

Watchfire

About Watchfire

Headquartered in Danville, Ill., Watchfire has manufactured electric signs since 1932 and LED signs, using meticulously sourced components from around the world, since 1998. Our products include indoor and outdoor LED displays, fixed digit and video scoreboards, gas price signs and digital billboards. Every aspect of our products and service is focused on giving our customers the greatest advertising tools available for developing their business and increasing sales. Our partnerships with respected, knowledgeable sign company professionals are the foundation of our collective success.

Watchfire LED signs are known for their legendary quality and reliability. We test our outdoor displays to withstand whatever nature throws at them, all to guarantee our customers years of worry-free performance. The excellence in every Watchfire sign begins with our outstanding engineering team designing a quality product. In production, we choose quality over expedience or expense. We use the best performing components available from a global market and invest the time and expense needed to evaluate and verify every aspect of our products’ design, function and serviceability. Our reputation depends on our displays looking and performing great not just on day one, but for years to come.

We developed our proprietary Ignite software to create and manage messages from design to scheduling. Whether the sign is large or small, color or monochrome, the suite of Ignite software helps create head-turning messages through easy-to-use interfaces.

Watchfire has over 70,000 LED signs in operation at convenience stores, gas stations, retail outlets, banks, schools, places of worship and other locations worldwide. We also have more digital billboard customers in the U.S. than any other brand.

Industry
Manufacturing & Production
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
Danville, IL
Year Founded
1932
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