Purchasing Agent III

Lcec - North Fort Myers, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

North Fort Myers, FL

251-500 employees

About the position

The Purchasing Agent III is responsible for the procurement of goods and services to support all divisions and departments within LCEC. This role involves collaborating with internal customers to assess needs, optimizing inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with purchasing procedures and regulations. The position requires effective negotiation and contract management skills, as well as the ability to analyze purchasing data to support business planning and financial forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Procure goods and services at the right time, of the correct quantity, at competitive prices, and in compliance with established specifications.
• Determine method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid.
• Prepare bid requests, review bid proposals, and negotiate contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
• Receive and review requisitions requesting goods or services.
• Ensure that purchase orders are placed and received accordingly for the assigned alliance commodities.
• Prepare and generate other related documentation as needed, including working with the ERP NISC iVue ordering system.
• Utilize NISC iVue purchasing and inventory modules throughout the purchasing processes to track documents and manage inventory.
• Conduct supplier performance evaluations against defined metrics.
• Analyze trends in purchasing data to assist in decision support and financial forecasting.
• Establish blanket orders to purchase repetitive items and solicit competitive quotations.
• Research potential new sources of supply and work with engineering to approve alternative manufacturers.
• Select products for purchase by testing, observing, or examining items.
• Expedite orders and requests as needed.
• Meet with representatives from manufacturing, marketing, and distribution to improve relations and reduce costs.
• Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with team members to determine root cause and take corrective action.
• Perform contract administration services, including maintenance of an approved contractor database.
• Remain abreast of market trends and changes in business practices.
• Maintain an up-to-date approved vendor insurance certification database.
• Maintain fuel credit card system and reconcile fuel receipts against invoices.
• Maintain vendor service invoice data in Fleet Management system.
• Ensure smooth operations and effective communication with employees and customers.
• Perform special projects and other duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Accounting, or equivalent (Required).
• 10+ years of experience working in a supply chain or inventory control capacity (Required).
• 7+ years of experience working in a computerized ERP purchasing or inventory environment (Required).
• High level of proficiency with Excel, Word, and Outlook (Required).
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment using interactive skills (Required).
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities (Required).
• Ability to meet communicated schedules and deadlines (Required).
• Ability to demonstrate effective negotiation, communication, and leadership skills (Required).
• Demonstrated excellent customer service orientation (Required).
• Ability to prepare accurate RFP or RFQ and contract document packages (Required).

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree in Business or equivalent (Preferred).
• Experience with NISC iVue applications (Preferred).
• Utility industry purchasing/inventory experience (Preferred).
• Procurement experience in a Lean focused environment (Preferred).
• Professional experience in financial analysis and/or special project leadership (Preferred).
• Familiarity with an automated materials management, bar code system (Preferred).
• Knowledge of FEMA Procurement and Contracting Requirements (Preferred).
• Industry standard procurement certification (Preferred).

Benefits

• Medical, vision and dental insurance
• 401(k) plan with a generous 6% company match
• Company funded Pension Plan
• On-site wellness/medical facility
• Company paid Short & Long-Term Disability insurance
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Wellness program with financial rewards
• Tuition reimbursement
• Group life insurance
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance