PURCHASING AGENT

Essential Job Functions: Purchasing Agent, Safety & Asset Assistant

This unique Purchasing Agent role leverages prior experience as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator to make informed purchasing decisions, focusing on heavy equipment and parts. This role also assists the Director of Safety and Assets.

Equipment Procurement:

• Identifies equipment requirements based on operational needs, production schedules, and budget constraints, collaborating with relevant departments to understand current and future needs. This includes gathering input from operators, maintenance personnel, and management.
• Researches and evaluates equipment suppliers, considering factors such as price, quality, reliability, delivery timelines, warranty terms, supplier reputation, and past performance. This may involve visiting supplier facilities, attending industry trade shows, and reviewing online resources.
• Negotiates contracts and purchase orders with suppliers to optimize pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and other contractual agreements. This requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to analyze proposals and identify areas for improvement.
• Coordinates equipment delivery, installation, and testing, working with vendors and internal teams to ensure a smooth transition. This includes scheduling delivery, arranging for necessary permits and inspections, and overseeing the installation and testing process.
• Maintains accurate equipment inventory records, tracking location, usage, maintenance history, and other relevant information. Contributes to asset management strategies, including equipment lifecycle planning and replacement schedules.

Parts Purchasing:

• Collaborates with maintenance and operations teams to determine parts requirements, understanding their specific needs and priorities. This includes anticipating future parts needs based on maintenance schedules and equipment history.
• Sources and purchases necessary parts and components, ensuring timely delivery, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to quality standards. This involves identifying reliable suppliers, obtaining quotes, and comparing prices.
• Manages parts inventory levels to optimize stock, minimize carrying costs, and prevent stockouts, utilizing inventory management systems and techniques. This includes forecasting demand, setting reorder points, and tracking inventory levels.
• Resolves parts-related issues and discrepancies, working with suppliers and internal teams to address problems effectively. This may involve resolving shipping errors, handling returns, and addressing quality concerns.

Cost Control & Savings:

• Implements cost-saving strategies, such as vendor consolidation, bulk purchasing, competitive bidding, and price negotiations, actively seeking opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality or service.
• Tracks and analyzes purchasing data to identify cost-reduction opportunities, monitoring spending patterns and identifying areas for improvement. This involves analyzing purchase orders, tracking expenses, and generating reports.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, reliable service, and favorable contract terms. This includes regular communication with suppliers, conducting performance reviews, and building trust and rapport.

Safety & Asset Assistance:

• Supports the Director of Safety and Assets with various tasks as needed, which may include:
• Assisting with safety inspections and audits, identifying potential hazards, and recommending corrective actions.
• Maintaining safety records and documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinating safety training programs, scheduling training sessions, and tracking employee participation.
• Assisting with incident investigations, gathering information, and preparing reports.
• Managing PPE inventory and distribution, ensuring that employees have access to the necessary safety equipment.
• Supporting asset tracking and management initiatives, maintaining records of company assets and contributing to asset lifecycle planning.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Safety and Assets.

Leveraging Technical Expertise:

• Equipment Knowledge: Leverages in-depth knowledge of heavy equipment and machinery to make informed purchasing decisions, understanding equipment specifications, performance requirements, and maintenance needs. This includes staying up-to-date on new equipment technologies and industry best practices.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Applies mechanical skills to assess equipment condition, identify repair or replacement needs, and collaborate effectively with mechanics to determine suitable parts and equipment solutions.
• Operational Understanding: Utilizes experience as a heavy equipment operator to comprehend equipment usage, performance expectations, and identify equipment deficiencies and purchasing needs from an operator’s perspective.
• Provides technical support to operations and maintenance teams regarding equipment-related issues, offering insights based on operational experience and mechanical knowledge.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Stays up-to-date on industry trends, new equipment technologies, and best practices in purchasing and asset management.
• Maintains professional relationships with suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Adheres to all company policies and procedures related to purchasing, safety, and asset management.
• May be required to travel to supplier facilities or attend industry events.

This unique Purchasing Agent role leverages prior experience as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator to make informed purchasing decisions, focusing on heavy equipment and parts. This role also assists the Director of Safety and Assets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Equipment Procurement: Identifies equipment needs, researches suppliers, negotiates contracts, coordinates delivery/installation/testing, and maintains inventory records.
• Parts Purchasing: Collaborates with maintenance and operations, sources parts, manages inventory, and resolves parts issues.
• Cost Control & Savings: Implements cost-saving strategies, tracks purchasing data, and develops supplier relationships.
• Safety & Asset Assistance: Supports the Director of Safety and Assets with various tasks as needed.

Leveraging Technical Expertise:

• Equipment Knowledge: Uses in-depth knowledge of heavy equipment to make informed decisions, understands specifications and maintenance needs, and provides technical support.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Applies mechanical skills to assess equipment condition and collaborates with mechanics.
• Operational Understanding: Utilizes heavy equipment operator experience to understand equipment usage and identify purchasing needs.

Key Focus:

• Optimizing equipment and parts procurement through combined purchasing and technical expertise.
• Contributing to operational efficiency and cost savings.
• Supporting safety and asset management initiatives.