The Purchasing Agent is responsible for acquiring location requirements and verifying, preparing, and submitting purchase orders; communicating with suppliers; validating the receipt of goods/services; and resolving payment-related issues.
Specific Responsibilities
- Complies at all times with the SGS Code of Integrity and Professional Conduct.
- Verifies material/service requirements by location and creates requests using the best pricing and suppliers, clarifying unclear items and recommending alternatives.
- Sources available products to find the best combination of quality, price, and delivery.
- Follows up on purchase orders by verifying products/services, expected delivery times, and pricing; obtains supplier recommendations for substitute items and cross-checks with the requesting department.
- Schedules optimal delivery and monitors and expedites orders when necessary.
- Verifies receipt of items by comparing received goods against purchase orders; resolves shipment discrepancies and issues with suppliers and/or carriers.
- Verifies invoices and payments with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
- Creates purchase orders based on supplier invoices.
- Supports purchasing and organizational objectives by completing assigned tasks and achieving desired results as needed.
- Collects, analyzes, and summarizes data and trends.
- Maintains detailed and accurate information accessible in SharePoint for management review.
- Maintains and updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.
- Participates in special projects, additional tasks, professional training, education, or development activities as required.
- Builds trust by responding promptly to all inquiries, whether by phone or email.
- Promotes a positive attitude and a safe working environment.
- Understands and complies with SGS procedures, standards, and policies at all times.
- Adopts and supports specific operational improvement activities communicated by the GBS Team Lead, Supervisor, or Manager. These initiatives focus on quality improvement, efficiency, accreditation, communication, and technical enhancement.
- Ensures the GBS work area is always maintained clean and presentable.