POSITION SUMMARYThe Purchasing/Procurement Agent purchases a wide variety of products for process and sale across the business. This role purchases supply items for operations for the manufacturing plants, warehouses and offices. This role also performs inventory control functions covering cycle counting and stock valuations, as well as physical inventory.JOB RESPONSIBILITIES*Enters purchase orders into the computer system. Maintains vendor master files and vendor quote maintenance files. Maintains Item Masters and Item balance records. Sets reorder points.*Creates purchase orders as necessary to support production. Enters all issues and receipts of stock status items.*Selects vendors to supply products. Evaluates vendor performance based on pre-determined vendor criteria. Performs vendor audits and evaluations.*Maintains inventories with vendors to support production. Implements just-in-time material policies wherever feasible on all purchased goods. Expedites deliveries, handle product returns, and promotes quality process with vendors.*Manages inventory to achieve division targets for turnover ratios. Identifies and acts on slow moving stock by notifying sales and production before products are obsolete. Performs monthly cycle counts with production.*Acts as main contact for customer service for expediting orders. Coordinates changes with Production.*Maintains tracking system to ensure on time delivery of products.*Calculates price for custom granite products.*Develops and manages programs to insure pricing accuracy of all orders.*Prepares bids and requests for quotes on all requisitioned raw materials and parts.*Stays current on market conditions and transportation factors. Submits future purchase recommendations and/or contracts to assure consistent supplies at optimum cost.*Additional duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS*Bachelor's Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management or related field*4+ years of previous purchasing experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience*Occasional travel either locally, nationally, and/or internationally may be required.*Basic degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.*Basic analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.*Basic verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning).*Basic understanding and application of mathematical concepts.*Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as, internal and external clients.*Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.*Ability to work with and influence peers and management.*Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.*Ability to work overtime as necessary.PHYSICAL ASPECTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT*Works in a warehouse setting.*Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk, hear and see.*Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.The Matthews Industrial Automation division of Matthews International designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of technologies and solutions for industrial automation applications including marking and coding, and warehouse automation. Our integrated systems identify, track, control, and pick products at the highest levels of accuracy.Our focus on innovation is leading to rapid growth in each of the solution areas weprovide:product identification, warehouse automation and applied automation technologies.At Matthews International, what makes us different is what makes us great. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All employment is decided on t