Purchasing Agent in McCook, Illinois at CRAY KAISER LTD

Company Overview
Our client manufactures commercial cooking equipment and is seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent to join their team. This position plays an important role in supporting our manufacturing operations by ensuring materials, equipment, and services are sourced and purchased efficiently, competitively, and in accordance with company requirements.

Position Summary
The Purchasing Agent will be responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating pricing and terms, placing and managing purchase orders, and monitoring the timely delivery of materials and services. The ideal candidate has experience in purchasing within a manufacturing environment and understands the importance of quality, cost, inventory levels, and delivery schedules.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate suppliers for materials, components, equipment, and services.
• Obtain and compare quotes and negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and delivery schedules.
• Prepare, issue, and manage purchase orders.
• Monitor orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and identify new sources as needed.
• Work closely with production, engineering, warehouse, and other departments to understand purchasing requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate purchasing to support production schedules.
• Research market conditions, pricing, and product availability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Address purchasing, quality, delivery, and supplier issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing information, and supplier documentation.
• Assist with supplier performance evaluation and ongoing vendor management.
• Ensure purchases meet company quality and specification requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing, inventory, and supply chain processes.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing practices, supplier management, and procurement processes.
• Experience negotiating pricing, terms, and delivery requirements.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with an ERP or purchasing/inventory management system preferred.
• Ability to read and understand product specifications, bills of materials, or similar manufacturing documentation preferred.

What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be a strong communicator who can build effective supplier relationships while maintaining a focus on cost, quality, and timely delivery.