<p>Job Posting: Buyer / Purchasing Agent</p> <p>Location: Fall River, WI</p> <p>Company: EK Machine</p> <p>Employment Type: Full-Time</p> <p>About EK</p> <p>EK is a leading manufacturing organization committed to delivering high-quality solutions to our customers. We pride ourselves on operational excellence, innovation, and strong supplier partnerships. We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven Buyer / Purchasing Agent to join our team and support our growing operations.</p> <p>Position Summary</p> <p>The Buyer / Purchasing Agent is responsible for selecting and procuring materials, supplies, and equipment that meet cost, quality, and delivery requirements. This role plays a key part in managing supplier relationships, optimizing sourcing strategies, and ensuring a steady flow of materials to support production needs.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Manage an annual expenditure base of approximately $9 million for materials and services across E.K. Machine's purchasing programs. </li><li>Initiate purchase orders and amendments for parts, services, and special tooling. </li><li>Arrange for submission and inspection of sample products as needed. </li><li>Secure and analyze supplier quotations. </li><li>Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers to ensure cost, quality, and delivery competitiveness. </li><li>Collaborate closely with cross-functional departments to support enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives. </li><li>Monitor market prices, trends, engineering developments, and manufacturing improvements. </li><li>Interview and evaluate current and prospective suppliers regarding capabilities, logistics, inventory management, and more. </li><li>Visit supplier facilities to qualify new sources and assist in resolving production, design, or quality issues. </li><li>Execute order release actions and respond to system-generated exception messages. </li><li>Manage inventory levels and item availability to meet production schedules. </li><li>Respond to termination and cancellation requests from planners. </li><li>Release purchase orders for production materials, stock items, and general business needs. </li><li>Serve as a key interface with manufacturing, production control, and departmental leaders regarding material status. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>To be successful in this role, candidates should have:</p> <p>Education & Experience</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or </li><li>One to two years of related experience/training; or </li><li>An equivalent combination of education and experience. </li><li>Proficiency using computer applications, including Microsoft Office and manufacturing software. </li></ul> <p>Language Skills</p> <ul> <li>Ability to read and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical documents, and governmental regulations. </li><li>Strong writing skills for reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. </li><li>Ability to present information clearly and respond to questions from managers, clients, and customers. </li></ul> <p>Mathematical Skills</p> <ul> <li>Knowledge of concepts such as probability, statistical inference, geometry, and trigonometry. </li><li>Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to real-world scenarios. </li></ul> <p>Why Join EK?</p> <ul> <li>Collaborative, team-oriented culture </li><li>Opportunities for growth and professional development </li><li>Competitive compensation and benefits package </li><li>A role where your impact is directly tied to organizational success </li></ul>