Purchasing Agent

The Company – GPM, Inc. (GPM) is a closely held corporation, established in 1978, with over 70 employees. The corporate office and manufacturing facility is in Duluth, MN, and has sales offices throughout the United States. GPM is a manufacturer of industrial pumps including the world’s toughest and most-reliable submersible slurry and dewatering pump, the GPM-Eliminator, as well as a leading rotating equipment solution provider. Through a combination of direct sales, distributed products and world-class service and repair, GPM serves customers in numerous industries. Position Description – We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Purchasing Agent to join our procurement team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials and services essential for our operations. This role requires a strong understanding of supply chain management, inventory control, and business systems to ensure seamless procurement processes that support production planning and overall business objectives. The Purchasing Agent is responsible for adherence to customer expectations, managing vendor relationships, recognizing cost savings, using GPM’s resources wisely, adherence to manufacturing schedules and resolving complex problems. The position has contact with customers, vendors and employees. Duties will require a high degree of interpersonal skills, communication, organization and confidentiality. Qualifications – The ideal candidate for the position shall have: Education: A degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain or similar relevant field Required Experience and Skills: 5 years of experience in procurement processes including sourcing, negotiation, and contracts management Ability to analyze data related to inventory levels, supply chain metrics, and vendor performance for continuous improvement Effective communication skills for collaborating across departments and negotiating with vendors Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in managing multiple procurement projects simultaneously Excellent customer service skills Unquestioned moral and ethical behavior Responsibilities – Manage end-to-end procurement processes including sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing of goods and services Maintain accurate records of purchase transactions, supplier evaluations, and contract details for audit purposes Implement sourcing strategies that enhance efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards Collaborate with production planning and merchandising teams to forecast needs and align procurement activities accordingly Analyze and resolve purchasing issues/discrepancies Prepare and submit detailed reports (revenues, buying expenditures etc.) Prepare and forward purchase orders to suppliers to ensure proper inventory Update professional skill sets through participation in educational opportunities Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and in the event of problems trace shipments and follow up undelivered goods Various other duties as they are required in a dynamic business environment Reporting – The Purchasing Agent position reports directly to the Supply Chain Manager. Conditions – Works in an office environment. Occasional travel for training or work at other GPM facilities. 40-hour work week, varying start time, with occasional work outside office hours. Occasional evening or weekend time may be necessary. Location – Duluth, MN. Office. Salary and Benefits – Company offers competitive salary and excellent benefits including 401K, Profit Sharing Plan, paid vacation and up to 8 paid holidays per year. Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works in a standard office setting The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Other (Physical, Mental and Visual skills) - Frequent periods are spent standing or sitting in the same location with some opportunity to move about; occasionally there may be a need to stoop or lift light objects (typically less than 8 pounds). Must demonstrate sufficient visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity to use computers and other equipment and the ability to communicate with a variety of people. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time. Intermittent physical activity includes bending, reaching and prolonged periods of sitting. Ability to move about and communicate with a diverse membership and employee group. Ability to accomplish the described responsibilities using computers and technology. Ability to work in a changing, challenging, and fast paced environment with varying stress levels. Occasional travel required. Pay: $60,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Work Location: In person