Purchasing Agent

Position Summary

Responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement contract process, including drafting, negotiation, compliance, and vendor management. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in contract administration and a solid understanding of utility operations, preferably in a cooperative setting.

Essential Job Functions:

• As required or requested, compile data for, or assist in the building of reports and studies, annual employee/contractor key list, and monthly new connects.
• Manages complete contract process.
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining sufficient inventory of office supplies and forms, as well as verifying receipt of the same. May be asked to evaluate or assist in the evaluation of new products and/or services.
• Assist with quarterly and semi-annual corporate reporting.
• Assume and perform other duties as assigned by Management.
• Issues Purchase orders to suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers.
• Conducts competitor analysis to identify popular products.
• Keeps accurate records of purchases made.
• Maintains purchasing records.

Position Requirements

• Education Requirements
  • Bachelor\'s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Legal Studies, or related field.
• Experience
  • Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in procurement, contract management, or supply chain operations-preferably within a utility, cooperative, or public sector environment.
  • 4-6 years related experience
• Must be able to coordinate and communicate work required with other departments.
• Must be able to perform multiple priority projects as well as identify and solve problem areas.
• Must have the ability to work with and consistently meet deadlines, budgets, and work on several projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations applicable to electric cooperatives, including RUS contracting requirements.
• Strong understanding of contract law, risk mitigation, and negotiation principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High business acumen and financial analysis skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and contract management systems.
• Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience with cooperative utility operations or rural electric systems.
  • Familiarity with FEMA procurement guidelines and disaster recovery funding processes.
  • Professional certifications (e.g., NIGP-CPP, CFCM, CPSM, or similar).
  • Experience with ERP systems such as NISC, SAP, or Oracle.

Relationships

• Works collaboratively across departments and with external vendors
• Reports to Purchasing Director

Physical Demands

(Scale: Rarely = Less than 5%, Occasionally = 5% - 25%, Frequently = More than 25%)

• Heavy lifting or moving of materials: Frequently, up to 10 pounds or less
• Operates Equipment: Rarely
• Operates Office Machines: Frequently – PCs, copy, fax machines, mail sorter, 10-key, telephone
• Standing: Frequently – up and down all day.
• Walking: Frequently
• Awkward Position (stooping, bending etc.): Occasionally
• Climbing Maximum: Rarely– Step Stool feet maximum height.
• Eye-hand Coordination: Rarely
• Location: Indoor 90% of time, Outdoor 10% of time
• Work Conditions: Overtime, only as needed