Purchasing Agent
Working Solutions LLC, Meridian, MS, United States
Purchasing Agent / Procurement Specialist
Reports to: Supply Chain Manager / Operations Director
Department: Operations
Position Summary The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring raw materials, supplies, and services required to support production, operations, and customer fulfillment. This role ensures material availability, cost control, supplier performance, and alignment with production schedules in a fast-paced paper converting and label manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities Procurement & Sourcing
Purchase raw materials including:
Paper (roll stock, specialty grades)
Adhesives, inks, coatings
Films, liners, packaging materials
Outsourced Finished Goods
Source and qualify new suppliers to improve cost, quality, and lead times
Maintain approved vendor list and supplier performance metrics
Cost Management & Negotiation
Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supply agreements
Identify cost‑saving opportunities through:
Volume purchasing
Alternative materials or suppliers
Inventory & Planning Coordination
Collaborate with Production, Scheduling, and Sales to:
Ensure adequate inventory levels
Prevent negative and overstock situations
Manage reorder points, safety stock, and lead times
Support demand forecasting and material planning
Resolve supply chain issues, shortages, and quality concerns
Coordinate with suppliers on delivery schedules and forecasts
ERP & Documentation
Enter and manage purchase orders in ERP system (e.g., NetSuite, etc.)
Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing, and lead times
Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with:
Operations / Production Managers
Quality Assurance
Finance (cost tracking, AP support)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On‑time material availability (no production downtime)
Inventory turns & carrying cost control
Supplier on‑time delivery and quality performance
Purchase price variance (PPV)
Qualifications Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (preferred)
3–7+ years purchasing experience in:
Printing or packaging industries (strongly preferred)
Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
Knowledge of paper grades, adhesives, films, and converting materials (preferred)
Analytical and cost management mindset
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment
Manufacturing facility with office responsibilities
Regular interaction with production floor and warehouse
May require occasional travel to suppliers
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Supply Chain Manager / Operations Director
Works closely with Production Manager, Scheduling, and Finance
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Reports to: Supply Chain Manager / Operations Director
Department: Operations
Position Summary The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring raw materials, supplies, and services required to support production, operations, and customer fulfillment. This role ensures material availability, cost control, supplier performance, and alignment with production schedules in a fast-paced paper converting and label manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities Procurement & Sourcing
Purchase raw materials including:
Paper (roll stock, specialty grades)
Adhesives, inks, coatings
Films, liners, packaging materials
Outsourced Finished Goods
Source and qualify new suppliers to improve cost, quality, and lead times
Maintain approved vendor list and supplier performance metrics
Cost Management & Negotiation
Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supply agreements
Identify cost‑saving opportunities through:
Volume purchasing
Alternative materials or suppliers
Inventory & Planning Coordination
Collaborate with Production, Scheduling, and Sales to:
Ensure adequate inventory levels
Prevent negative and overstock situations
Manage reorder points, safety stock, and lead times
Support demand forecasting and material planning
Resolve supply chain issues, shortages, and quality concerns
Coordinate with suppliers on delivery schedules and forecasts
ERP & Documentation
Enter and manage purchase orders in ERP system (e.g., NetSuite, etc.)
Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing, and lead times
Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with:
Operations / Production Managers
Quality Assurance
Finance (cost tracking, AP support)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On‑time material availability (no production downtime)
Inventory turns & carrying cost control
Supplier on‑time delivery and quality performance
Purchase price variance (PPV)
Qualifications Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (preferred)
3–7+ years purchasing experience in:
Printing or packaging industries (strongly preferred)
Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
Knowledge of paper grades, adhesives, films, and converting materials (preferred)
Analytical and cost management mindset
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment
Manufacturing facility with office responsibilities
Regular interaction with production floor and warehouse
May require occasional travel to suppliers
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Supply Chain Manager / Operations Director
Works closely with Production Manager, Scheduling, and Finance
#J-18808-Ljbffr