Find & Apply For Buyer / Purchasing Agent Jobs in Clinton, Tennessee

Purchasing Agent

FAB METAL LLC - 2.7

Clinton, TN Job Details Full-time $51,074.34 - $61,508.88 a year 4 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Qualifications Computer operation Teamwork ERP systems Manufacturing facility experience Attention to detail Time management Full Job Description Purchasing Agent Job Description Sheet Metal Fabrication Job Shop Position Title Purchasing Agent Reports To Operations Manager / Supply Chain Manager / General Manager Position Summary The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing materials, supplies, subcontract services, and inventory required to support a custom sheet metal fabrication job shop. The role ensures that raw materials, hardware, consumables, and outside processing services are available on time, at competitive costs, and meet quality requirements. The Purchasing Agent works closely with production, engineering, estimating, inventory control, and suppliers to support efficient operations and customer satisfaction. Key Responsibilities Purchasing & Procurement Source and purchase raw materials including sheet metal, plate, structural steel, aluminum, stainless steel, tubing, and hardware. Procure fabrication consumables such as welding supplies, tooling, abrasives, gases, and safety equipment. Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations to ensure the best combination of price, quality, delivery, and service. Issue purchase orders and monitor supplier compliance with delivery schedules and specifications. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and contracts with suppliers. Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships. Material Planning & Inventory Management Monitor inventory levels and replenish stock materials as needed. Coordinate material requirements based on production schedules and customer orders. Maintain appropriate inventory levels to balance material availability with carrying costs. Track and manage shortages, backorders, and critical materials. Conduct regular inventory reviews and assist with physical inventory counts. Supplier Management Evaluate supplier performance regarding quality, cost, delivery, and responsiveness. Develop alternative sources for key materials and services to reduce supply risk. Resolve supplier issues related to quality, delivery delays, and invoicing discrepancies. Maintain approved supplier lists and vendor records. Subcontract Services Management Coordinate outside processing services such as powder coating, painting, plating, anodizing, heat treating, machining, and specialty fabrication. Monitor subcontractor schedules to ensure customer delivery commitments are met. Expedite outsourced services when production schedules require priority handling. Verify subcontract services meet customer and quality requirements. Cost Control & Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvements. Analyze purchasing trends and recommend strategies to improve material utilization and supplier performance. Support value engineering initiatives and alternative sourcing opportunities. Assist management with annual budgeting and forecasting activities. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with estimating to obtain accurate material and subcontract costs for customer quotations. Coordinate with production to ensure materials are available to support manufacturing schedules. Collaborate with engineering regarding material specifications and supplier capabilities. Partner with accounting to reconcile invoices, pricing discrepancies, and vendor payments. ERP System & Documentation Maintain accurate purchasing records within the ERP/MRP system. Process purchase orders, receipts, and supplier documentation. Ensure proper recordkeeping of certifications, material test reports, and compliance documents. Generate purchasing and inventory reports for management review. Qualifications Education Associate's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred. Equivalent purchasing and manufacturing experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. Experience 3-5 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment. Experience within sheet metal fabrication, metal manufacturing, or industrial production preferred. Experience purchasing metals, hardware, fabricated components, and subcontract services is highly desirable. Technical Knowledge Understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes including laser cutting, punching, forming, welding, machining, assembly, and finishing. Familiarity with metal grades, gauges, dimensions, and material specifications. Experience with ERP/MRP systems and inventory control processes. Ability to read engineering drawings and bills of material (BOMs). Strong Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills. Professional Skills Strong negotiation and vendor management abilities. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy. Physical Requirements Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments. Occasional shop floor visits to verify inventory, production requirements, and supplier deliveries. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer systems. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Purchasing Performance Material Cost Savings Purchase Price Variance (PPV) Supplier On-Time Delivery Supplier Quality Performance Purchase Order Accuracy Inventory Performance Inventory Accuracy Inventory Turns Stockout Frequency Material Availability for Production Operational Performance On-Time Material Delivery Expedite Costs Supplier Lead Time Reduction Outside Processing Turnaround Performance ERP Data Accuracy Success Profile A successful Purchasing Agent proactively ensures materials and services are available when needed, develops strong supplier partnerships, controls costs, minimizes supply chain disruptions, and supports the fabrication shop's ability to deliver high-quality products on time and within budget. Their effectiveness directly contributes to production efficiency, customer satisfaction, and company profits.

Pay:

$51,074.34 - $61,508.88 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person