Purchasing Agent

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

Job Summary

Maintain and sustain a proactive channel of communication with management regarding purchasing and inventory decisions impacting their business. Generate performance reports for underperforming product lines, and initiate resolution plan of action.    

Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Evaluates daily purchasing reports, prioritizes purchase orders by critical need; and ensures orders meet the optimal levels to maximize profit and sales.
• Obtains confirmations, verifies pricing and quantities, follows up with vendors to correct issues or re-request confirmations, attaches confirmations to POs, and manages confirmations record.
• Performs all purchase transactions for assigned categories.
• Works the Back Order Queue and Expedite Queue and keeps ship dates accurate for the field. Works with vendors for updated information regarding shipments.
• Conducts analysis and correction of price discrepancies utilizing accounting business partnerships.
• Leverages management input to ensure target freight levels are achieved to maximize profit margins.
• Evaluates and manages dead stock materials, no calc, and aged inventory. Manages inventory /fill rates for assigned categories.
• Negotiates prices with vendors. Proactively seeks out products/vendors in order to obtain best pricing as appropriate.
• Handles some commodity purchasing under the general direction of the Purchasing leader.  

Nature and Scope

• Demonstrates skill in data analysis techniques by resolving missing/incomplete information and inconsistencies/anomalies in more complex research/data.
• Nature of  work  requires  increasing  independence; receives guidance only on unusual, complex problems or issues. Work review typically involves periodic review of output by a supervisor and/or direct "customers" of the process.
• May provide  general  guidance/direction  to  or  train  junior  level  support  personnel  or professional personnel.  

Work Environment

• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
• Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or older
• Must pass pre-employment assessment(s) if applicable  

Education and Experience

• Typically requires BS/BA in a related discipline. Generally 2-5 years of experience in a related field; certification is required in some areas OR MS/MA and generally 2-4 years of experience in a related field. Certification is required in some areas.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Broad-based procurement and inventory experience.
• Product experience.

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.  Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.

For more information, please click here or visit https://www.eeoc.gov