Purchasing Agent

Description Boater's World Manufacturing Group is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Purchasing Agent to support our boat manufacturing operations in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring raw materials, production components, equipment, and supplies necessary to maintain efficient manufacturing operations. This position works closely with Production, Engineering, Inventory, Accounting, and suppliers to ensure materials are available when needed, purchase orders are accurate, and production schedules are supported.

The ideal candidate has experience in purchasing or procurement, understands manufacturing material requirements, and is comfortable using ERP systems to manage purchasing activities, supplier relationships, and inventory needs.

Previous manufacturing purchasing experience is strongly preferred. Candidates with relevant experience in marine, automotive, RV, industrial, or other production environments are encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Purchasing & Procurement

• Purchase raw materials, production components, equipment, and supplies to support manufacturing operations.
• Create, process, and maintain accurate purchase orders in accordance with company procedures and production requirements.
• Review purchasing requests, material requirements, and inventory levels to determine ordering priorities.
• Obtain supplier quotations and evaluate pricing, quality, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up on outstanding materials, shortages, and delayed shipments.
• Identify alternative suppliers or sourcing options when necessary to support production needs.
• Ensure purchasing activities align with production schedules, approved budgets, and company purchasing policies.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, purchase orders, delivery schedules, and material availability.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, pricing, responsiveness, and on-time delivery.
• Research and resolve issues involving incorrect shipments, shortages, damaged materials, pricing discrepancies, and delivery delays.
• Assist with negotiating competitive pricing, purchasing terms, and delivery arrangements.
• Maintain accurate supplier records, quotations, and purchasing documentation.

Inventory Planning & Production Support

• Coordinate with Production, Inventory, and Engineering to ensure materials are available to meet manufacturing schedules.
• Review material requirements and assist with inventory replenishment and purchasing forecasts.
• Identify potential material shortages and communicate concerns before they affect production.
• Coordinate purchasing priorities based on inventory levels, production requirements, and supplier lead times.
• Work with Receiving and Inventory personnel to resolve discrepancies involving purchased materials and deliveries.
• Support purchasing requirements for new products, engineering changes, and production adjustments.
• Help maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess materials and unnecessary purchasing costs.

ERP Systems & Purchasing Administration

• Create, maintain, and update purchase orders, supplier information, pricing, and delivery dates within the company's ERP system.
• Review ERP or MRP information to support purchasing decisions and material planning.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, reports, spreadsheets, and supporting documentation.
• Research discrepancies involving purchase orders, receiving records, supplier invoices, and inventory information.
• Coordinate with Accounting to resolve invoice and payment discrepancies.
• Generate purchasing reports and provide updates regarding open orders, material availability, and supplier performance.

Cost Control & Process Improvement

• Evaluate supplier pricing and identify opportunities to reduce purchasing and material costs.
• Compare purchasing options based on cost, quality, availability, and delivery requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier reliability, purchasing accuracy, and procurement efficiency.
• Help minimize unnecessary expedited shipments, material shortages, and excess inventory.
• Support continuous-improvement initiatives aligned with Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives.
• Perform additional purchasing and procurement responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or a closely related field.
• Previous hands-on experience using ERP or MRP systems.
• Strong understanding of purchasing procedures, purchase order management, supplier coordination, and inventory processes.
• Experience communicating with suppliers regarding pricing, orders, material availability, and delivery schedules.
• Ability to manage multiple purchase orders, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, research, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to maintain accurate purchasing records and resolve discrepancies.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with multiple departments.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using Epicor ERP software.
• Associate degree or higher in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, or a related field.
• Experience in boat manufacturing, marine, automotive, RV, or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience with material requirements planning (MRP), inventory replenishment, and production scheduling.
• Familiarity with Bills of Materials (BOMs), manufacturing work orders, and material specifications.
• Experience evaluating supplier quotations, negotiating pricing, and managing supplier performance.
• Experience supporting new product introductions and engineering changes.
• Knowledge of manufacturing cost control and continuous-improvement practices.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Full-time, on-site position in Chocowinity, North Carolina.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with regular interaction with manufacturing, warehouse, and inventory personnel.
• Occasional visits to production and warehouse areas may be required.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must follow facility safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment when entering designated manufacturing areas.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with changing priorities and production deadlines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employee discounts
• Professional development opportunities
• Career growth and advancement opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity Boater's World Manufacturing Group is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.