Purchasing Agent

Position Overview

Samson, the worldwide leader in high performance cordage, is seeking an experienced buyer/agent to join our purchasing team. The Purchasing Agent is responsible for setting commodity procurement strategies to support long‑range business plans and optimizing the supplier base through supplier rationalization and productivity improvements. The role involves developing supplier relationships and long‑term partnerships, providing leadership in supplier selection & qualification, supplier performance & development, contract management, and strategic sourcing, located in the corporate office.

Practices a high level of business ethics, quality, professionalism, and safety in all activities in accordance with Samson strategy and core values.

This is an in‑person position located in our corporate headquarters in Ferndale, WA.

• A team player who works well with a diverse group of individuals and can build relationships with coworkers.
• A creative problem solver with the ability to recommend and implement solutions.
• Analytically minded with a strong ability to analyze data and demonstrate sound decision making.
• Able to prioritize and maintain an organized workflow.
• Data‑driven and able to extract data and information from systems.
• Motivated by deadlines and able to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• A clear and concise communicator in both written and oral forms.
• A proficient computer user with skills in Microsoft programs and an ability to learn new systems.
• Trustworthy and able to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to speak Spanish and/or French is a plus.

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for outsource suppliers and assigned key commodity suppliers to meet business objectives. Serve as primary contact in coordination and processing of outsourced, subcontracted, material.
• Communicate with raw‑material & outsource suppliers to gain understanding of current pricing trends and ensure Samson pricing is consistent with market pricing.
• Take lead in negotiating with key raw‑material and outsource suppliers as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain reports and metrics to ensure procurement strategies are tracking to plan. Use information/data from reports to make decisions or take actions as appropriate to improve strategic supplier performance.
• Train purchasing personnel on company procedures for processing requisitions and purchase orders in support of business needs.
• Demonstrate understanding and track cost drivers that affect our pricing of raw materials and outsourced product.
• Develop understanding of cost drivers for key raw materials and impacts to costs with our outsource suppliers, such as currency, overhead, or raw materials.
• Develop and source materials, supplies and services and obtain price quotes, issue RFI, RFP or RFQ to potential suppliers. Make determination and recommendation on best total cost solution for organization.
• Optimize inventory levels factoring in variables such as service level, economic run quantities, price breaks, and transportation costs in support of customer and production requirements.
• Identify potential new materials / processes within relevant industry and stay current on changes and innovation in support of organizational long‑term objectives.

• Required:
  
  Relevant Associate’s Degree with a minimum of 6 years purchasing, commodity, or supply chain experience; or a relevant Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 4 years of purchasing, commodity, or supply chain experience. Must have experience and understanding of ERP, MRP and Inventory Control systems. 10+ years of strong relevant experience in a manufacturing setting with desired certifications may substitute for education requirements.
• Desired: CPSM or SCMP certification; experience in global sourcing and procurement.

• We enjoy ample paid time away from the office with a starting PTO accrual of 15 days for vacation or sick leave, 10 paid holidays, a paid personal day, and paid volunteer time each year.
• We prioritize our employees’ wellbeing and offer comprehensive and affordable Health, Dental and…