Chemical Purchasing Agent

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for issuing purchase orders to support the master schedule/production plan while optimizing inventory turns to meet customer service levels. Knowledge of markets (chemicals), market trends and vendors should be used to secure the best pricing available and to provide continuous cost improvements. Work is performed under the general direction of the Supply Planning Manager and includes responsibility for handling transportation of components and chemical via rail, barge, tank truck.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Needs experience with procuring chemicals in bulk: barges, railcars, tank trucks.
• Sets appropriate safety stock levels for all items and updates accordingly as the forecasts change
• Secures and analyzes quotations; may negotiate prices and terms with suppliers under the approval of the Director of Procurement. Recommends suppliers with respect to cost, quality, and delivery competitiveness. Trains and leads new employees and administrative personnel in Barr purchasing processes.
• Guides performance and develops capabilities of vendors to ensure attainment of delivery, quality, and price commitments.
• Leads, and participates in, initiating and maintaining purchase orders and all related changes for raw materials, components, and supplies.
• Assesses material needs from MRP system; coordinates and expedites receipt of purchased materials based on production schedules and inventory requirements, AX requirements or as arranged with other Operations staff.
• Participates as a core team member of PQP to review requested changes to existing items and set up new items; can participate as the purchasing representative on New Business Team for new products; participates on other teams and committees as required.
• Obtains quotes on new items (specs, samples, MSDS); prepares setup of new items including obtaining print cards, specifications, and artwork.
• Manages inventory levels and reviews economic order quantities.
• Tracks orders and delivery dates; expedites or defers specific items due to schedule changes. Projects run out dates for discontinued components and raw materials.
• Keeps management informed of market conditions and trends as they relate to supply and cost of raw materials, components, and supplies; makes recommendations for changes or adjustments in purchase plan.
• Coordinates return of rejected materials; responds to and updates NCMR’s related to purchased items.
• Prepares a variety of management reports as required; resolves discrepancies on invoices; communicates price changes and updates AX.
• Interfaces with Operations, Marketing/Sales, R&D, Safety, and other departments to ensure timely expedition of all required materials and supplies.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Purchasing Management, or related area and at least three years buying and expediting experience in a manufacturing environment; CPM/APICS/CPIM certification a plus; experience in lean manufacturing a plus.

Must have functional understanding of best sourcing practices; knowledge of negotiation skills; excellent organization and follow-up skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent problem-solving skills, ability to organize and prioritize work assignments; ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; ability to analyze situations and respond in a timely manner; ability to participate in multi-functional teams; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the Barr organization; ability to establish and implement new processes; must be proficient in computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, charts and graphics. Some overtime may be required.

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Travel:

• Typical office environment with moderate noise level.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, hand/wrist use, talk, see, and hear for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations; ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, suppliers, or employees.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, and percentages; ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; ability to read and interpret charts and graphs and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
• Some travel may be required.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it was not meant to be all-inclusive of the tasks that may be assigned.