Purchasing Agent

Description About the Opportunity We are partnering with a small, family‑run manufacturing company that is seeking a Purchasing Agent to take ownership of procurement, inventory control, and vendor strategy. This is a high‑impact role within a quiet, close‑knit operation where purchasing decisions directly affect cost, efficiency, and production continuity. This position is being created to elevate purchasing beyond order placement — the organization needs someone who understands how to save money, control inventory, and improve processes in a real manufacturing environment. Why This Role Matters + You'll be the primary purchasing professional for the organization + Direct opportunity to create and improve SOPs and best practices + Leadership is seeking a proactive, cost‑conscious thinker, not a transactional buyer + Ideal for someone who enjoys process improvement and autonomy + Stable, family‑owned business with long‑tenured employees Key Responsibilities Purchasing & Procurement + Own day‑to‑day purchasing activities for a multi‑product manufacturing operation + Obtain and evaluate multiple vendor quotes to ensure best pricing and terms + Lead supplier negotiations to drive cost savings and improve reliability + Ensure materials are ordered accurately and delivered on time to support production Inventory & Cost Control + Monitor inventory levels to balance availability with cash efficiency + Analyze usage trends, lead times, and demand to refine purchasing decisions + Identify opportunities to reduce excess inventory and unnecessary spend + Support forecasting and inventory planning initiatives Process Improvement & SOP Development + Assess current purchasing workflows and recommend improvements + Develop or refine standard operating procedures and purchasing best practices + Partner with accounting, production, and leadership to align purchasing with business goals Vendor Management + Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers + Evaluate vendor performance on pricing, quality, and delivery + Research and onboard new suppliers when necessary + Monitor market conditions to reduce supply risk and identify savings opportunities Requirements Qualifications Required + 3+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment + Hands‑on experience with inventory control and procurement processes + Strong negotiation skills with documented cost‑saving impact + High attention to detail and strong organizational skills + Proactive mindset with the confidence to challenge the status quo + Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization Preferred + Experience in a small or mid‑sized manufacturing company + Exposure to multi‑product manufacturing environments + Strong Excel skills and comfort working with ERP or inventory systems + Prior involvement in SOP or process redesign initiatives Work Environment & Culture + Fully onsite role in Monroe, NC + Quiet, professional office environment + Close collaboration with accounting, production, and ownership + Family‑run business with a strong emphasis on trust and accountability + Opportunity to make immediate, visible improvements Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .