Materials Coordinator/Purchasing Agent

The Materials Coordinator/Purchasing Agent plays a crucial role in purchasing, inventory management, and vendor relations at our plant. Utilizing the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), the Materials Coordinator/Purchasing Agent ensures a seamless flow of materials, supplies, and services to support maintenance, production, and other departmental schedules. This role involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of purchasing, inventory, and vendor relations processes, with a proactive approach to improving current systems and procedures. The Materials Coordinator/Purchasing Agent also supervises the daily activities of the Warehouse Operator and supports all company policies, goals, and objectives professionally.

Ensure accurate inventory management by implementing effective tracking processes, ensuring optimal inventory levels.
Collaborate with the Maintenance Planner/Scheduler and other personnel to ensure materials and services align with the Maintenance Schedule and departmental needs.
Maintain up-to-date status on all purchase orders, informing relevant departments of any potential issues that may cause delays.
Monitor site chemical usage, coordinating with department management, and place chemical orders as needed.
Oversee inventory accuracy with Accounting through cycle counting, inventory transactions, and physical counts.
Maintain a clean, organized warehouse environment.
Handle warehouse duties related to the receipt, shipment, storage, distribution, or delivery of products, parts, and materials.
Operate equipment such as hand trucks, forklifts, or other heavy machinery to manage inventory.
Identify and implement opportunities for improvement in inventory management.

Purchasing

Manage the entire purchase order process, from initial quote preparation to final verification, including authorizing payments and reconciling delivered items.
Track purchase order status using reporting tools to ensure timely delivery of materials, and communicate any changes across the organization.
Serve as the main contact for supplier relationships, resolving issues related to pricing, quality, quantity, delivery, and invoices.
Work with accounting, maintenance, production, and other departments to maintain proper documentation for purchased equipment, parts, and services.
Monitor and communicate significant cost impacts to relevant department personnel.
Continuously seek and implement improvements in the purchasing function.

Additional Responsibilities

Assist with developing the weekly maintenance schedule in coordination with relevant department personnel.
Support engineering projects as directed.
Provide management with suggestions for efficiency improvements.
Ensure safe work practices at all times, reporting any safety issues to the manager and EHS Manager immediately.
Perform other duties as needed to maintain safe and productive operations within the plant.
Promote a high level of service and work performance, fostering a team environment and a positive workplace culture.
Maintain confidentiality of all records and company matters.
Represent the company positively in the community.

Minimum Requirements

Associate’s Degree in a related field (a combination of relevant experience and education will be considered).
Minimum of a High School diploma or GED.
2 years of experience in inventory management.
2 years of experience in purchasing.
2 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial, or agricultural settings, with a general understanding of parts, electrical, welding, and mechanical equipment.
Maintenance experience is beneficial.
Valid driver’s license.
Proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehending English.

Skills and Abilities Required

Detail-oriented with high accuracy and excellent follow-up skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Thorough understanding of purchasing and inventory policies and procedures.
Excellent communication, organizational, documentation, and time management skills.
Intermediate knowledge of MS Office, particularly MS Excel, and the ability to quickly learn new software.
Ability to perform essential job functions outside of normal working hours.
Strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work around and on industrial equipment.
Ability to climb stairs and ladders up to 30 feet.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to operate a forklift.
Exposure to loud noises, wet and humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic chemicals, and extreme temperatures, depending on weather conditions.
Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection.