Purchasing Agent

About the role

As a Purchasing Agent at Diversified Automation, you play a key role in cross-functional project teams, contributing to the successful execution of automation solutions. You bring a deep understanding of the materials and services required to support each project, and you collaborate closely with vendors and subcontractors to ensure that pricing aligns with budget constraints and lead times integrate seamlessly with project schedules.

Your role goes beyond procurement-you actively build and maintain strategic relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and subcontractors. These partnerships help us assess capabilities, ensure quality and reliability, and foster long-term collaboration that supports our growth and innovation in the automation industry.

Tasks

• Accurately prepare and manage purchase orders, ensuring alignment with project BOMs and budget requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance and proactively communicate any delays or procurement-related issues to Operations. Oversee the end-to-end flow of materials-from initial demand through to receipt-ensuring timely and accurate delivery to support project execution.
• Track and communicate lead times, proactively coordinating with internal teams to maintain project schedules.
• Proactively identify and address component shortages, mitigating risks to panel builds and project timelines.
• Procure materials and services through Diversified Automation systems, including subcontracts and purchase orders.
• Serve as a key contact for internal stakeholders regarding material availability
• Escalate supplier constraints to the Procurement Leader and propose solutions to prevent work stoppages.
• Leverage market insights to negotiate pricing and optimize purchasing decisions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational efficiency through data-driven strategies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop expertise in material handling construction requirements and maintain strong relationships with established suppliers.

What We're Looking For

• Ability to interpret part lists and navigate ERP systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
• Clear and effective communication across all levels of the organization, both internally and externally.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and shift between projects without missing deadlines.
• A proactive, service-oriented mindset with a focus on supporting internal teams and external partners.
• Comfortable communicating via phone, email, and messaging platforms with professionalism.
• Confident and assertive when addressing challenges.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Teams, Outlook, and Excel.
• Comfortable working across multiple software tools to drive task completion.
• Prior experience in material handling, construction, or related industries is preferred.

Required Experience and Education

• A minimum of 1 year data entry experience
• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in working with purchasing software or ERP system
• Ability to work well with others
• Must be detail oriented
• Excellent problem-solving skills