Commodity Purchasing Agent

Company: Dakota Supply Group
Location: La Crosse
Posted on: August 6, 2022

Job Description:

Job Description Dakota Supply Group (DSG) is seeking a Commodity Purchasing Agent to join a company that is experiencing robust growth in a wholesale environment. Candidates must be able to work on-site in either our Plymouth, MN, Fargo, ND, or La Crosse, WI location. The Commodity Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring a wide array of construction materials from multiple vendors, building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external customers, determining market trends, and assisting in the determination of inventory levels. This will be a full time, Monday-Friday position but may require extended hours at times, as well as occasional travel to other branches, trade shows and training opportunities. Since our founding in 1898—with roots dating back to 1868, DSG has been dedicated to providing all the right connections to our customers in the electrical; plumbing; HVAC; refrigeration; communications; utility; automation; waterworks; on-site sewer, water and well; filtration and metering technology industries. We carry more than 65,000 products from the top brands, but that's only the beginning. Our experienced team of specialists provide customers with solutions that help them to maximize their employees' productivity and increase their company's profitability. Plus, DSG is an employee-owned (ESOP) organization. That means you are always working with an owner, and consequently, your success is recognized as the foundation of our own.Specific Duties of the Commodity Purchasing Agent:

• Maintains pricing and item file to keep systems up to date and accurate
• Develop effective relationships with suppliers. Will at times need to secure quotations, negotiate pricing, delivery dates, and seasonal buys
• Continually monitor pricing of volatile commodities to ensure materials are priced appropriately
• Partner with internal sales and management teams on project pricing and market trends
• Reviews and places purchase orders with vendors for replenishment of stock or non-stock items, checks pricing and descriptions.
• Stays current on market pricing and takes advantage of special pricing, terms, freight, discounts, dating, rebates and return goods programs on items purchased to be competitive.
• Analyzes reports for demand, order points, unusual movement, stock-outs, overstock or excess inventory.
• Determines the best shipping method for customer and the company.
• Communicates regularly with vendor representatives.
• Maintains current product catalogs.
• Responds to sales associate requests on a timely basis.
• Communicates price changes to file maintenance.
• Monitors overdue purchase orders and communicates with sales teams.
• Maintains good relations with suppliers and ensures that the company receives favorable terms and competitive costs from suppliers.
• Maintains a strong knowledge and understanding of current market conditions; relays relevant information to the Purchasing Manager
• Maintains accurate product file in all aspects: item description, minimum buy package, etc., including cost.
• Searches for new products and seeks better negotiated costs with suppliers; looks for opportunities in vertical and horizontal markets.
• Clearly understands all aspects of the main computer operating system's purchasing module, including the ramification of parameter settings.
• Maintains a high level of product knowledge.
• Resolves price discrepancies with vendor and accounts payable department to assure proper vendor billing and to maximize cash discounts for the company.
• Performs other duties as assigned.Qualifications of the Commodity Purchasing Agent:
  • High School diploma or equivalent, with secondary or post-secondary coursework concentrated in a related field, or equivalent on the job experience as determined by the company.
  • 3-5 years of purchasing and/or inventory management experience.
  • Understanding of supply chain management and workflow of wholesale distribution
  • Strong data analytics and ability to create strategies and actions from analysis conducted.
  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in written form to various levels of management and suppliers
  • Creative, self-motivated, quality, and results-driven work ethic.
  • Knowledge of construction processes a plus
  • Proven proficiency in general personal computer applications, as well as in the use of Microsoft Office software, including Word and Excel.
  • Strong communication (negotiation, verbal, written) and customer service skills.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment.
  • Prior experience interpreting business reports and performance metrics.Benefits for the Commodity Purchasing Agent:
    • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
    • Health Savings Account (HSA), with employer contribution
    • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, with employer match
    • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
    • Dependent Care FSA
    • Paid Parental Leave
    • Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
    • Comprehensive Wellness Program
    • Teledoc, a virtual telehealth benefit
    • Referral Bonus
    • Generous PTO Allowance & Extended Medical Leave
    • Volunteer hours
    • Length of Service Awards
    • Employee discounts on DSG supplied products!
    • Personal and professional development opportunities
    • And more!

Keywords: Dakota Supply Group, La Crosse , Commodity Purchasing Agent, Professions , La Crosse, Wisconsin