Job Description
Job Description
Purchasing Agent
A Purchasing Agent is responsible for supporting business operations by ordering products or
materials that agree with their employer’s brand, and assisting the Purchasing Manager and Demand
Planner. Their duties include maintaining relationships with Suppliers, Vendors or Wholesalers,
placing orders for products based on current inventory needs and tracking shipments from
manufacturing locations to retail stores or company warehouses.
Purchasing Agent duties and responsibilities
The Purchasing Agent must maintain good relationships with the organization’s vendors. They perform
market research to get the best deals for the company and ensure the timely delivery of products and
materials. Here are some examples of Purchasing Assistant duties:
• Working with the purchasing manager to run the purchasing department
• Performing vendor research and selection to enhance profitability, reducing operating costs
costs and boosting efficiency
• Maintaining cordial working relationships with vendors and supervising vendor activities
• Using quarterly and annual data to determine purchasing needs and perform inventory
management
• Managing purchase orders, overseeing shipping schedules, and maintaining purchase records
• Working with warehouse staff to compare deliveries with purchase orders to identify
discrepancies
• Conducting ongoing market research to identify beneficial purchase agreements and
potential vendors
• Perform other duties assigned by Management
• Work across departments to drive value
• Communicate with Sales/Production/QC concerning their requirements
Requirements
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel and Word)
• Ability to analyze, problem solve, and understand risk mitigation
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with all employees
• Demonstrated multitasking, prioritization, and organization skills. Adapts well to change and
maintains composure under pressure
• Thorough understanding of purchasing concepts and practices
• 3-5 years of food industry experience preferred
• Tactful, tenacious, and persistent follow-up to effectively negotiate with our suppliers
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment