Purchasing Agent

Overview

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for material control functions at Centerline Atlantic.  These functions include purchasing, inventory control, warehousing, shipping, receiving, transportation and traffic involves both automated and manual systems. The Purchasing Agent is responsible to find the best goods or services, choose suppliers, and negotiate prices. Monitors and interprets applicable market conditions and trends. May be required to travel to other ports as necessary. Perform other duties as assigned by Operations Manager.

Responsibilities

• Reviews supply requisitions and coordinates with requesting department to clarify; requirements, specifications, quantity, quality, lead-time, standardization and delivery issues.
• Solicits and analyzes quotations for stock materials, new and non-standard materials and supplies.
• Places purchase orders in a prompt and timely manner with a high degree of accuracy.
• Follows-up on orders to expedite/de-expedite materials as needed by the requesting department or to manage inventory while improving service to user department.
• Analyzes purchase patterns, inventory levels and materials supplied by various suppliers to leverage purchasing activities, reduce materials total cost and reduce inventory investment. Negotiate with suppliers to obtain the best combination of price, quality, quantity, delivery and supplier responsiveness consistent with volume commitments.
• Analyzes materials purchased to identify opportunities for standardization. Defines the specific benefits of standardization and works with the quality committee to implement appropriate standardizations.
• Works with suppliers to manage the return and replacement of materials damaged, defective, missing or not meeting the purchasing specification. Insures appropriate credit is received by CLH.
• Communicates with user departments any changes made by vendor to the requisition.
• Closely monitors retrieval of packing slips from user department.
• Keeps accurate and current data such as pricing in the purchasing system.
• Maintains effective communication with user departments and accounts payable department.
• Routinely monitors inventory levels to optimize inventory investment while keeping adequate amount of supplies and materials in stock to support daily operations.
• Identifies new suppliers and develops and manages supplier relations for maximum mutual benefit.
• From a variety of sources, keeps informed regarding market conditions and trends, new products and processes. Summarizes and communicates this information to management with recommendations for specific application at CLH.
• Insures that all purchasing related activities comply with applicable laws and government regulations, accepted trade practices and medical care standards relating to the ordering department.
• Identifies problem areas affecting or affected by purchasing, keeps management informed and recommends constructive corrective actions.
• Audits and approves invoices. Resolves discrepancies with suppliers and insures accurate and complete information is in the purchasing system.
• Adheres to safety, confidentiality, compliance, and legal requirements.
• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance and complies with company guidelines on attendance.
• Evaluating suppliers on multiple criteria price, quality, service support, availability, reliability, and selection
• Perform in the company Spill Management team as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Four year college education in Business, Accounting, or related studies or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years experience in purchasing.
• 2 years of increasingly responsible management experience in the maritime industry.
• Experienced in fuel terminal operations and controls
• Computer Skills: Word, Excel, Purchasing and Accounting software
• Knowledge of accounts payable and basic accounting principles and procedures
• Knowledge of contract law, the Uniform Commercial Code and DOT regulations
• Knowledge of automated procurement and inventory control systems
• Knowledge of oil transportation and marine industry
• Well-developed written oral communications and human relation skills evidenced in dealing with vendors, staff and all levels of Centerline employees.
• Ability to plan and manage projects and obtain goals that may shift with changing priorities
• Ability to motivate employees and obtain total commitment from them.
• Skill in leading productive and efficient intra and inter-department meetings
• Ability to deal with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communications.
• Comprehensive knowledge of domestic sources of supply
• Ability to understand instructions, reason, and make judgments.
• Understand meaning of words, ideas associated with them, and their effective use.
• Ability to perceive pertinent details and verbal or tabular material.
• Analytical and decisive.
• Ability to perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently or with no guidance.
• Ability to get along with office staff and terminal employees.
• Office Machine skills: Use of Computer, copy Machine, Fax Machine, 10 Key
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.

Job Condition and Environment

• May be required to sit for long periods of time.
• Infrequent light physical effort required.

Expected Hours of Work

• Normal office hours are 7:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday
• Takes normal communications during business hours but weekend ordering might be needed when requested by Operations or Engineering.

Company Overview

Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.

The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.