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
- Vendor consolidation
- Alternative materials or suppliers
- Monitor market trends (paper pricing, freight, etc..)
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
Supplier Management
- Track vendor performance (on-time delivery, quality, pricing)
- 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)
- Sales (special material requirements)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Material cost reduction / cost avoidance
- 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:
- Paper converting
- Label manufacturing
- Printing or packaging industries (strongly preferred)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
- Knowledge of paper grades, adhesives, films, and converting materials (preferred)
- ERP/MRP system experience (NetSuite experience a plus)
- Analytical and cost management mindset
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment
Work 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
