Purchasing Agent

ROLE

The Purchasing Agent will be responsible for the tactical procurement of commodities, raw material, tools, parts, supplies, equipment, and services to be used by the organization. They will also be responsible for the maintenance of an appropriate level of inventory in the warehouse. This individual will utilize expert knowledge to purchase goods and services at the most favorable price for Cairns Electric, while simultaneously building and maintaining strategic relationships with key suppliers. The Purchasing Agent will review requisitions and confer with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

- Responsible for all procurement and purchasing activities on assigned projects.
- Selects products for purchase by testing, observing, or examining items.
- Estimates values according to knowledge of market price.
- Determines method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid.
- Prepares purchase orders or bid requests.
- Reviews bid proposals and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
- Maintains manual or computerized procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.
- Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action.
- May approve invoices for payment.
- Implementation of contracting strategies and contracts for construction and professional services, and other services in support of capital projects for Clients.
- Responsible for support and guidance to engineering personnel, Project Managers, and Construction Managers on formation, implementation, and administration of contract/subcontract procedures.
- Ensures that all contract administration procedures are followed and executed in a professional manner.
- Responsible for assisting and advising Project Managers with ongoing administration of our contracts with Clients and for ensuring adherence to established contract and procedures and requirements.
- Able to communicate with vendors, technical resources, and Clients.
- Coordinates and directs activities of workers engaged in cutting, transporting, and storing, and in maintaining records.
- Arranges for processing and/or resale of purchased products.
- Reviews orders to determine product types and quantities required to meet demand.
- May expedite delivery of goods to users.
- Arranges for transportation and/or storage of purchased products.
- Maintains records of business transactions and product inventories, reporting data to
companies or government agencies as necessary.
- Maintains manual or computerized procurement records, such as items or services
purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.
- Coordinates activities involved with procuring goods and services, such as raw
materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and advertising, for establishment.
- Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information, such as price,
availability, and delivery schedule.

CORE COMPETENCIES
- Accountability & Dependability
- Quality Orientation
- Provide Consultation
- Time Management
- Communication
- Continual Learning
- Planning & Organizing
- Ethics & Integrity
EDUCATIONAL AND PRFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree (B.A.) or College Diploma from an accredited institution with a
minimum of three (3) years of progressive buying experience.
- Purchasing experience in the electrical construction industry is an asset.
- Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite of products.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- Strong command of the English language with an ability to effectively communicate
verbally and in writing as well as speak before groups of customers or employees of
the Company.
- High level of organization skills (high volume environment).
- Experience in gathering data and compiling information.
- Display a high level of attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- Strong work ethic and positive team attitude with an aptitude for team building.
- Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with other departments, key business
partners, and suppliers.
- Demonstrated knowledge of purchasing and contracting techniques and procedures.
- Strong knowledge of internal controls and finance management.
- Able to consistently represent the company in a professional manner.
- Sound judgment and shrewd decision-making skills.
- Requires a high degree of professional integrity, ethics, and confidentiality.
- Knowledge of accounting and budgetary practices and principles.
- Able to quickly calculate discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages,
and volume.
- Considerable knowle