General Description:

Acts as an Agent of Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation (SMAC) with the actual and/or implied authority to bind SMAC to contracts and commit Company funds.  Must maintain the proper corporate image, integrity, and professionalism, in dealing with SMAC suppliers and potential suppliers, while adhering to SMAC’s processes, policies, and procedures.  The following list of Primary Job Functions is not all-inclusive, and the Purchasing Agent may be assigned other additional duties as needed.

Primary Job Functions:

• Purchasing
• Contact potential suppliers and arrange introductory meetings, execute confidentiality agreements, issue request for quotes (RFQ), negotiate supply contracts and prices, and issue forms as requested.
• Analyze market conditions and quotations and negotiate the most favorable prices and terms of purchase for all quotes.
• Solicit VA/VE ideas from all suppliers.
• Complete supplier evaluations based on pricing, recall/repair campaigns, and VA/VE submissions.
• Attend all Prototype, Pilot, and Start of Production events on the shop floor.  Confirm all sample parts and/or prototype parts are delivered to the assembly line for your suppliers.
• Issue and collect Tooling Lending Forms, Picture Forms, and asset tags from suppliers with new or transferred tooling.
• Visit suppliers as requested, including some overnight and/or multiple days travel.
• Participate in Planning Meetings, Supplier Meetings, Check Meetings, etc.
• Complete and issue forms such as Engineering Change Requests (ECR), Localizing Proposals (LP), Localizing Authorization Requests (LAR), KD Change Requests (KDCR), Price Change Approvals, etc.
• Attend Purchasing meeting every week.
• Train new Purchasing Agents.
• Supply Chain
• Check purchase orders and forecasts for mistakes.
• Issue forecasts and purchase orders to current suppliers, monitor all pickups and deliveries to and from SMAC’s logistics provider, monitor the daily production schedule.
• Issue purchase orders for replacement parts and expedite when necessary.  Follow up with supplier to make sure replacement parts arrive at SMAC when needed.
• Issue supplier evaluations based on parts delivery performance.
• Attend Supply Chain meeting every morning.
• Monitor Driver Check sheet daily for missed shipments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of purchasing principles relating to purchase contracts, and business customs.
• Degree in related field, APICs certification, or relevant experience.
• Ability to analyze quotations and develop negotiating strategy for contracts and pricing.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, especially with Excel.
• Experience with ERP system such as AS400/BPCS.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.