Purchasing Agent

Negotiate supplier contracts, consolidate suppliers, research new suppliers, implement Kanban and JIT programs, and work closely with Engineering to improve quality and reduce overall business costs. Purchase commodities, keeping suppliers informed of specific needs on behalf of the Company. Work closely with Production Control and Assembly personnel to assure timely delivery of materials. Resolve conflict as needed, utilizing available resources and direction from Supervisor. Assist other purchasing agents and receiving department personnel to assure timely delivery of materials, and follow appropriate policies and procedures.

Essential Job Functions: Performs or assists the Supervisor in the following tasks:

Part/Inventory Management

Monitor/order parts based on MRP systems and other reports.

Expedite shortages and material rejection/repair.

Reschedule parts as required.

Establish and implement Kanban, JIT, and Supplier Managed Inventory programs.

Supplier Management

Set-up suppliers in ERP.

Develop, maintain, and issue Business Intelligence (BI) reports to suppliers.

Work Supplier quality issues at Receiving.

Support suppliers with drawings and specification requirements.

Support First Article/Production implementation.

Assist with developing, issuing, and managing RFP/RFQs, supplier selection, and implementation.

Research and find new suppliers through consolidation process, new product implementations, and/or price/quality improvements.

Support/Communicate to Internal Customers

Work with Accounts Payable department in regard to invoicing issues.

Work closely with Production Control and Production personnel to support production schedule.

Understand and assist with the interdependence of Purchasing with Engineering, Quality, Production and Production Control.

Make presentations to Supply Chain management.

Process Purchase Item Approval Forms (PIAFs).

Cost of Ownership

Assist with negotiating pricing agreements for all material and components for production.

Determine method of commodity inbound shipment.

Minimize overall cost of ownership.

Minimum Position Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience

Bachelors Degree required with at least three (3) years of purchasing/procurement experience in a general aviation, aerospace or manufacturing environment. In lieu of a degree, seven (7) or more years of professional work experience in purchasing/procurement.

General understanding of ERP and Company operations is necessary to perform the duties in this position.

Physical Demands

Demonstrates physical and functional ability to perform and accomplish tasks. Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs.

Mental Demands

General understanding of ERP computer system.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, to include Excel proficiency, is required.

Requires knowledge and experience in establishing Kanban, JIT or Supplier Managed Inventory programs.

General understanding of drawings, specification, and units of measure.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to both office and plant environments. May be exposed to odors, chemical agents, dust, fumes, gases, sharp objects, hazardous or moving equipment, wet slippery floors, and extremes in temperature and humidity.

Interacts regularly with various staff and employees, and occasionally with vendors, suppliers, community members and regulatory agency representatives.

Travel and overtime are required when necessary.

Operational Excellence

Supports all operational excellence initiatives ensuring full participation in all department services, continuous improvement efforts, and training programs.

Quality Assurance

Maintains a safe, orderly working environment including FOD compliance.

Ensures adherence to Piper Aircraft, Inc. corporate compliance policies.

Adheres to organization and department policies and procedures.

Compliance

Responsible for ensuring compliance with laws, rules and regulations appropriate to job function.

Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.

Work ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.

Communicates Effectively

Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills who understands how to develop and maintain external supplier and internal customer relations in both written and oral form.

Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times during direct contact with employees, suppliers, and customers.

Decision Quality

Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving on-time with deliverables.

Optimizes Work Processes

Knows and contributes the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Attention to Detail

Takes responsibility for a thorough, accurate, and detailed method of completing work tasks.

Drives Results

Overcomes adversity, consistently achieving quality results - even under demanding deadlines and unexpected operating circumstances.

Teamwork

Interacts, partners, and collaborates effectively with others, positively contributing to overall department and organizational deliverables and results.