Purchasing Agent

Salida

Regular

MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES

As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 27 countries, we offer to our customers a wide range of testing and innovative solutions dedicated to preventing health risks related to food, environment and consumer goods. External growth has been a key pillar of our history with more than 40 acquisitions completed in the last 10 years.

If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment, join us!

YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE

We are looking for a Purchasing Agent in 5262 Pirrone Ct, Salida, CA 95368 USA. Your mission will be to:

1. Purchase assigned materials or other goods and coordinate activities involved with procuring goods and services.

2. Research and initiate cost reduction ideas and think through, plan out and drive cost reduction projects to completion.

3. Prepare specifications for purchasing of materials, supplies, equipment, services, and goods.

4. Assist with administration activities concerned with contracts for purchase or lease of equipment, materials, supplies, products, or services. Assist with vendor negotiations to build productive supplier relations.

5. Handle equipment contracts, equipment maintenance and repairs.

6. Review weekly back order list to reduce or eliminate back orders. Participate in problem resolution processes to identify the root cause of problems to eliminate or reduce supply chain problems.

7. Assist personnel with purchase order processing. Review and update open purchase orders when necessary.

8. Develop and maintain existing suppliers and search for potential new sources of supply to support growth and cost objectives of the company. Work with company leaders to achieve set targets for cost reduction.

9. Develop, review, and analyze purchasing or cost data and trends to assist company personnel with forecasting current and future needs. Generate cost trend and forecast data for major commodities reflecting market conditions. Develop and maintain accurate database information for supplier profiles, cost trends, services and inventory levels.

10. Provide information for budget managers including monthly or periodic reports of purchasing and usage activity.

11. Contact company personnel and vendors, regarding order, delivery or shipping status to ensure that merchandise, supplies, and equipment delivery is expedited. Monitor supplier performance and initiate action plans to improve performance where needed.

12. Consult with operations personnel to optimize the deployment of material resources to maximize operational efficiencies and fulfillment of client demands.

13. Support corporate quality and improvement process (TQM).

14. Adhere to all safety policies.

15. Responsibility to support laboratory management in the implementation of maintenance, and improvement of the management system.

16. Where applicable, may supervise the activities of maintenance staff personnel to ensure operations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.

17. May assist other labs with purchases when needed.

18. Perform other related duties as needed.

19. Support the implementation of all purchasing policies at the local level and are in compliance.

20. Ensure all purchases done at the laboratory level are correctly negotiated

YOUR PROFILE

This position requires a thorough knowledge of purchasing and a broad knowledge of negotiation, contract administration, and expediting to carry out department activities. This knowledge is consistent with a four-year degree in business or related field and 3 to 5 years of purchasing experience in a multi-site environment. A general science background is helpful.

Required skills: This position performs routine analysis of purchasing data establishing trends and communicating issues to vendors and company personnel. Negotiations and contract administration activities may require innovative or unique approaches to logistic, costing, or specification issues. These issues have generally been encountered before. Information and data is sometimes incomplete or difficult to obtain from vendors or department personnel. Problems are solved using previous experience, established company procedures, and assistance from management. Work may be commonly interrupted for a higher priority task. Resourcefulness is needed in finding solutions to processes when support is not on site.

A thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office software, particularly Excel is required to assemble data, conduct trend and total cost analysis, and to prepare reports, specifications, and contracts. Proficiency in company ERP software such as JDE is required. A broad knowledge of supply chain management theory and practices including, pricing, distribution requirements, inventory planning, system interface, delivery and logistics, with a general knowledge of accounting is necessary. Thorough knowledge of computer-based purchasing software is necessary to extract data and carry out analyses. This position requires fully developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to negotiate with vendors and build inter-departmental relationships. Individual must be able to remain calm in difficult situations and be comfortable with a fast paced environment. Time management and planning skills are helpful to accomplish tasks within set time constraints.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to read and interpret documents, instructions and procedures and to explain facts, practices and policies. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization and reach agreement through flexibility and compromise where needed. Attention to detail, communication skills, planning and organizing skills are important.

The incumbent utilizes previous purchasing experience coupled with supply chain management theory and practice, procedures, and company objectives to carry out job duties. This position carries out duties to meet established goals jointly set with supervision and operations for corporate-wide programs. Decisions are made based on current company practice, system capabilities or requirements and operation or purchasing objectives. The incumbent frequently makes routine decisions based on factual data regarding daily tasks, quality and completeness of data, and adequacy of specifications. This position may require occasional development of new procedures with director approval, to meet new and changing needs.

Work Environment:

The incumbent works in an environment with proper lighting and temperature controls. Occasional lifting of boxes, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds is necessary to perform duties. Manual dexterity is necessary to manipulate a keyboard and computer mouse. The incumbent can expect extended time spent in a sitting position. Travel is limited to infrequent day or overnight trips to company facilities, conferences or workshops. On occasion, the incumbent may work in a laboratory environment that requires the wearing of a mask, laboratory coat, and insulated gloves.

WHY JOIN US?

• Because you would contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
• Because you would have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 50 years of experience and expertise.
• Because you would be part of a community of an enthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them.
• Because you would be welcome as you are, in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences.
• Because you would grow in an international group of more than 8200 fantastic team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.

Ready for the journey?

To apply please click on 'Apply now' button