Work Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Including 1 hour of unpaid lunch break)
Work Location: Athens, AL
Department: Procurement
Job Summary
The Procurement Agent plays a key role in handling purchasing operations, managing supplier communication, and ensuring efficient order processing while working under the direction of a manager. This position is responsible for creating purchase orders, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, and proactively addressing procurement challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Order Management • Create, review, and process purchase orders accurately and efficiently using the company's ERP system. • Identify, assess, and recommend suppliers while ensuring the timely procurement of materials and services to meet company needs. • Compare, evaluate, and perform cost analysis while maintaining up-to-date procurement records and documentation.
Supplier & Vendor Relations • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable sourcing. • Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms to optimize cost and efficiency. • Take ownership of designated vendor accounts and provide backup support for vendor accounts when assigned team members are unavailable.
Collaboration & Compliance • Collaborate with internal departments to align procurement with operational and business needs. • Ensure compliance with company policies and procurement regulations. • Support resolution of procurement-related issues and disputes.
Qualifications & Skills • 3+ years of experience with purchasing/buying required (automotive manufacturing industry experience preferred) • Proficient in accurately creating, reviewing, and processing purchase orders using ERP systems. • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel. • Excellent communication and negotiation skills. • Ability to proactively address procurement issues and find solutions. • Strong mental resilience to manage supplier negotiations and deadline pressures. • English proficiency required; Japanese language skills are not necessary.
Work Environment and Physical Demands • Occasionally required to lift shipments up to 20 lbs. • Some overtime may occur based on workload and procurement needs. • Business Travel: Occasional business trips may be required.
Additional Information • Salary Range: $60K - $75K (negotiable based on experience) • Holidays & PTO:
o 8 days of paid U.S. major holidays and Employee's Birthday.
o A partially company-paid summer vacation, and a fully company-paid winter vacation.
o PTO: 5 days for employees with less than 1 year, 10 days for employees with less than 5 years (based on tenure).