Position Summary: Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semi-finished materials for manufacturing.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:- Purchases the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.- Monitors and follows applicable laws and regulations regarding the purchasing of goods.- Analyzes price proposals and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.- Maintains and reviews computerized or manual records of items purchased, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.- Monitors changes affecting supply and demand, tracks market conditions, price trends, or future markets.- Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability and delivery schedules- Monitors shipments to ensure that goods come in on time and resolves problems related to undelivered goods.- Negotiates, renegotiates, and administers contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.- Prepares purchase orders, solicits bid proposals, and reviews requisitions for goods and services.- Researches and evaluates suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.- Reviews catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and Internet sites and consults with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services.- Writes and reviews product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased.- Authorizes payment of invoices or return of merchandise.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:- Exhibits the utmost integrity in all purchasing transactions.- Knowledge of business and principles and practices of volume purchasing of goods and services.- Knowledge of the laws and rules and regulations relating to governmental purchasing.- Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify alternate solutions or approaches to problems- Ability to negotiate terms, costs and to reconcile differences.- Must have strongverbal and written communication and interpersonal skills along with a strong sense of customer service with both internal and external clients.- Most possess strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and utilizing information on the internet.- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors.Level of Education and Experience:- Bachelor’s Degree preferred with emphasis in Business Administration or related area with three to five years’ of progressively responsible purchasing experience and/or materials control experience in a manufacturing environment.Job Title: Purchasing Associate Page 2Physical Demands:The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bending or standing on a stool as necessary.Working Conditions:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.The job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phone, photocopiers, and fax machines.

Minimum Salary: 20Maximum Salary: 20Salary Unit: Hourly