Production Purchasing Agent HIROTEC Manufacturing America, located in Fayetteville, Tennessee, is part of the HIROTEC Group, headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan. HIROTEC Group delivers body-in-white closures, exhaust systems, flexible closure tooling, and stamping dies to automotive customers around the world. With a US headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI, HIROTEC Group operates 33 facilities in eight countries. Currently, we are seeking a Purchasing Agent to become a part of the HIROTEC team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: + Coordinates all activities associated to procurement of materials and services directly associated with the production of goods and services in the business. + Research and compare suppliers, goods, and services and evaluate market conditions. + Responsible for obligations with foreign trade laws regarding imports and exports, regulations and non-tariff restrictions, promotion programs, specific requirements of customs regimes, etc. + Prepares requests for proposals, bid information, contract preparation, and procurement of supplies. + Responsible for vendor and supplier development and maintaining positive, long-term relationships. + Reviews bids and proposals and meets with vendors to negotiate contracts that meet the company’s budgetary limitations. + Acquire, purchase, and negotiate materials, equipment, parts, and supplies with a focus on quality, cost, and delivery to support manufacturing operations. + Obtains quotes from existing and potential suppliers. + Monitor inventory, determine optimal inventory levels, and analyze spending and purchasing needs. + Tracks cycling of materials and inventory control to ensure accuracy. + Schedule, order, and coordinate the delivery of materials, parts, and equipment using the manufacturing process. + Prepare, process, and review purchase orders and delivery dates and assure the production demand is properly accommodated by the delivery of materials. + Evaluate and drive resolutions on all manufacturing material quality and supply issues. + Manages relationships with key suppliers to maintain quality, timely delivery, and compliance to terms of contracts. + Proactively follows up with customers on the status, changes, and expected delivery of materials. + Reviews purchase orders and delivery dates and assure the production demand is properly accommodated by the delivery of materials. + Initiates and/or conducts meetings with contractors concerning contractual problems as requested. + Mitigates supplier risk management issues. + Coordinates with other departments to determine optimal inventory levels and analyzes spending. + Evaluates market conditions and different suppliers. + Prepares and implements effective negotiation tactics. + Other duties and projects may be assigned based on the operational objectives of the company. Ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree in Purchasing or Supply Chain from a four-year college or university preferred, or three years purchasing or other related experience, preferred; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Experience with and thorough understanding of stainless material/stamping is preferred. Excellent written and oral communication and negotiation skills, in addition to proven Microsoft Office/computer skills required. SAP or other ERP experience is preferred. If you are hardworking, dependable, and enjoy a group environment, come join the HIROTEC Manufacturing America team. An excellent work environment and benefits await you!