MPI Purchasing Agent

Position Summary

McWane Plant and Industrial in Calera, Alabama, is seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent to identify, qualify, and contact potential vendors to receive bids or quotations. The agent will participate in bid evaluation and vendor selection and may suggest alternative vendors in an attempt to secure discounts for bulk purchases. The agent will assist vendors with the set‑up and use of organizational purchasing/procurement systems.

The agent will execute purchases and issue purchase orders as directed by the PMO or other personnel. The agent will maintain records of purchases or payments.

• Ensure personal safety and the safety of your team members.
• Assist supervisors and managers in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
• Wears appropriate PPE, including fall protection, respiratory protection, hearing protection, foot, hand, head, and eye protection.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of the assigned work area and maintaining a safe and clean work environment.
• Monitors the performance of suppliers, assessing their ability to meet quality and delivery requirements.
• Examine and evaluate marketplace business conditions, vendor opportunities and new product introductions.
• Engage in sourcing to find alternative or new vendors to improve quality, cost and/or lead time.
• Regularly poll the sales force and vendor representatives for opportunities and concerns.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of experience in purchasing or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Assertive, self‑motivated, goal and result‑driven.
• Proficiency in Excel and Outlook.
• Proven analytical skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work as a team player and communicate effectively outside your department.
• Proven negotiation skills with ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, shippers, team members, and customers.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Strong database and computer skills.
• Proven track record of taking ownership and driving results.
• Experience in process improvement.
• Experience working with MRP systems, preferably D365.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. McWane Plant & Industrial is an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. It is the Company's policy to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, or any other legally protected status.

We maintain a drug‑free workplace and reserve the right to perform substance abuse testing as needed.

McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation,…