Assistant Purchasing Agent Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Agent - West Des Moines, IA

Department: Operations / Purchasing Job Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Purchasing Manager

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday Normal Business Hours Positions Supervised: None

Position Summary

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring raw materials, components, supplies, services, and equipment necessary to support manufacturing operations while maintaining optimal inventory levels, quality standards, and cost objectives. This position develops and maintains supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, monitors inventory requirements, and collaborates closely with production, engineering, quality, and accounting teams to ensure uninterrupted operations. The Purchasing Agent also supports the organization's material regulatory compliance program by ensuring supplier documentation, certifications, and regulatory requirements are maintained for purchased materials.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, and proactive, with experience in manufacturing purchasing, inventory management, and supplier relationship management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement

• Purchase raw materials, components, packaging materials, MRO supplies, equipment, and services required for manufacturing operations.
• Review and process purchase requisitions and generate purchase orders in the ERP system.
• Monitor inventory levels and replenish stock based on demand forecasts, lead times, and production schedules.
• Expedite critical orders to prevent production interruptions.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier files, and documentation.

Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Solicit quotations and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, service, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, freight arrangements, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor supplier performance and address quality, delivery, or service issues.
• Participate in supplier reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure suppliers maintain qualified quality certifications (ISO 9001, IATF, or other applicable certifications.
• Monitor supplier compliance with customer-specific quality and regulatory requirements.

Inventory & Planning Support

• Collaborate with production scheduling and operations teams to forecast material requirements.
• Analyze inventory levels, usage trends, and demand patterns to reduce excess inventory while maintaining service levels.
• Assist with cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliation activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce inventory carrying costs and improve inventory turns.

Cost Management

• Support annual budgeting and cost reduction initiatives.
• Analyze material cost trends and identify savings opportunities.
• Participate in value engineering and supplier cost improvement projects.
• Monitor and report purchase price variances and material cost changes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Production, Sales, Quality, and Accounting departments to support business objectives.
• Coordinate material changes, supplier transitions, and new product launches.
• Assist in resolving receiving discrepancies, invoice discrepancies, and supplier quality concerns.
• Support internal, customer, ISO, and regulatory audits by providing purchasing records, supplier certifications, material compliance documentation, and traceability records.

Continuous Improvement

• Recommend process improvements that enhance purchasing efficiency and supplier performance.
• Assist with ERP system enhancements and purchasing workflow improvements.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Associate's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of purchasing, procurement, inventory control, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems required.
• Experience in plastics, rubber, urethane, industrial manufacturing, or related industries preferred.
• Strong understanding of purchasing, inventory management, and supplier management principles.
• Working knowledge of material regulatory requirements including RoHS, REACH, PFAS, Prop 65, Conflict Minerals, TSCA, FDA, or similar manufacturing compliance standards preferred.
• Experience maintaining supplier certifications and regulatory documentation preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and specifications preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills as well as document control and record management.
• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage regulatory documentation and compliance records.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.

Work Environment, Physical Requirements, & Safety

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment
• Occasional visits to manufacturing and warehouse areas
• Required to comply with all company safety policies and OSHA regs
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

Equal Opportunity Employer / Accommodations

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Applicants who require reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources for assistance.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties. Employees are expected to cross-train and support other areas as needed to meet business demands.