Purchasing Agent

This is a full time, in office position. Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm. The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and maintaining inventory of materials, supplies, equipment, and services necessary for organizational operations. This position ensures purchases are made in a timely, cost-effective, and compliant manner while maintaining quality standards and vendor relationships. The Purchasing Agent works closely with internal departments and external suppliers to support operational needs, monitor inventory levels, negotiate pricing, and ensure accurate recordkeeping and procurement documentation.

Essential Position Functions:

(Other Duties As Assigned) Purchases goods and services for stock, drop-shipments, and back/special orders. Create customer quotes for and assist customers in obtaining proper specifications, delivery terms, and costs. Operate a point of sales system; CounterPoint. Ensure inventory control to include performing Cycle Counts. Perform customer service functions to include greeting of customers, assisting witj product selection and loading of purchases. Organize and process the orderly assembly, release and the delivery of special orders. Places purchase orders based on assigned authorization or signing limit. Track back orders, RMA's, reach out to vendors when needed. Manage POs and Invoices Coordinate and Communicate with Warehouse Department to ensure proper inventory levels are being maintained. Forecast inventory needs based on historical, current and future demands Evaluate and qualify potential suppliers.

• Surveys vendors regarding pricing, availability and delivery times to determine best and/or possible new supply sources.

Verifies merchandise shipments received against purchase orders, packing slips and/or waybills. Checks orders for completeness and possible damage. Logs shipments, completes and forwards paperwork in a timely manner, as assigned. Files paperwork, as assigned. Matches prices on invoices, prices merchandise, if applicable. Conducting performance reviews, administering disciplinary actions if necessary and other tasks related to oversight of warehouse staff. Make customer deliveries as needed. Accepts incoming shipments upon arrival at dock. May be required to use hand truck, forklift or other material handling equipment. Moves it to appropriate area of stockroom, if required. Qualifications Must be a team player and have a "Can Do", roll-up sleeves and get it done attitude. Excellent leadership, communication, organizational skills and outstanding customer service skills. Minimum of 3 years Purchasing experience desired with forklift experience preferred, and the ability to lift heavy objects. Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic environment and multitask constantly shifting priorities. Knowledge of basic computer operations. Must be very organized, detailed and a team player…must be willing to adapt to change. Excellent verbal and written communication

• Problem solving
• Negotiation
• Persuasion
• Judgment and decision-making Must have valid Driver's License - 2 or less points.

Some positions require qualified candidates to pass a background investigation at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland's expense. Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. Visit our website at www.bism.org

Pay:

$35,568.00 - $44,720.00 per year

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Experience:

purchasing : 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person