Job Description
Purchasing Agent — Position Description Company Size $20M annual revenue Industry Automotive Customization / Specialty Vehicle Builds Reports To General Manager Location Athens, GA Role Summary The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring all materials, components, parts, and services required to support a high-mix, fast-paced automotive customization operation. This role ensures the company maintains optimal inventory levels, reliable supplier relationships, competitive pricing, and consistent quality standards across all product lines and custom build programs. The Purchasing Agent plays a critical role in production scheduling, cost control, and operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities1. Procurement & Sourcing ● Source, evaluate, and select suppliers for automotive parts, specialty components, fabrication materials, and shop consumables. ● Negotiate pricing, terms, delivery schedules, and long-term supply agreements. ● Maintain a reliable vendor base with backup suppliers for critical items. ● Issue purchase orders, track confirmations, and ensure timely delivery. Inventory & Materials Management ● Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production schedules and custom build timelines. ● Monitor stock levels, lead times, and usage patterns; proactively reorder to avoid shortages. ● Coordinate with warehouse and production teams to resolve discrepancies or delays. ● Support cycle counts and inventory accuracy initiatives. Cost Control & Financial Stewardship ● Identify cost-reduction opportunities through supplier consolidation, volume leverage, and alternative materials. ● Track and report material cost trends and variances. ● Ensure all purchasing activity aligns with budget targets and margin requirements. Production & Operations Support ● Collaborate with production managers, project managers, and engineering teams to understand build requirements and material specifications. ● Expedite critical orders to keep projects on schedule. ● Provide accurate lead-time and availability information for planning and scheduling. Quality & Compliance ● Ensure purchased materials meet required specifications, certifications, and quality standards. ● Resolve supplier quality issues and coordinate corrective actions. ● Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Financial Standards & BOM Accuracy ● Partner with the Controller and cost accountant to establish and maintain accurate standard costs for materials, components, and assemblies. ● Collaborate on the development and ongoing maintenance of Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure accuracy across all product lines and custom builds. ● Provide timely purchasing data and market pricing updates to support standard cost reviews and annual budgeting. ● Assist in variance analysis by identifying root causes of material cost deviations against established standards. ● Ensure alignment between purchasing records, inventory valuations, and financial reporting. Qualifications ● 3–5+ years of purchasing experience, ideally in automotive, manufacturing, fabrication, or related industries. ● Strong negotiation and vendor-management skills. ● Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., NetSuite, Epicor, SAP Business One, QuickBooks Enterprise). ● Ability to read technical drawings, part specifications, or build sheets preferred. ● Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. ● High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Experience ● Automotive aftermarket, custom builds, or specialty vehicle manufacturing. ● Knowledge of automotive parts, materials, and supply chains. ● Experience supporting production environments with high variability and custom orders. ● Familiarity with lean principles or continuous improvement. Core Competencies Negotiation & Vendor Relations Cost Management & Financial Acumen Inventory Planning & Control Problem Solving & Decision Making Cross-Functional Collaboration Time Management & Prioritization Technical Understanding of Parts & Materials Performance Metrics Metric On-time delivery rate Cost savings achieved Inventory accuracy and turns Supplier performance and quality Production downtime due to material shortages Purchase order cycle time Budget adherence