Purchasing Agent

Job Summary:

Perpetually review inventory needs for a predetermined list of vendors. Create and place purchase orders and monitor until delivery of product. Manage inventories to prevent and reduce overstock and backorders. Ensure lowest cost of goods possible and maintain accurate cost and sell prices in the computer. Work closely with the vendors assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

* Utilize the most efficient means possible to determine inventory needs based on backorders, seasonality and average usage. Use this information to create setting in the computer to give accurate suggested PO's. Place purchase orders in a timely and accurate fashion. Reduce overstock by returns to the manufacturer, stock transferring product to a different branch, or creation of promotions/incentives

* Accurately maintain costs that we pay for products we buy and set selling prices that we sell the product at. Maintain sell prices to accurately reflect cost fluctuations. Utilize manufacturer promotional discounts and rebates to bring average cost of inventory down beyond the promotional period

* Solve problems including investigating mis-shipments and cost differentials, answering product availability questions, and researching special orders

* Communicate specials, significant price changes, new product detail and discontinuation or unavailability of products in writing and verbally when necessary to sales force, marketing, and advertising personnel in a timely fashion

*Completes other duties as assigned

Job Requirements & Qualifications:

* Must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily

* A high school diploma or equivalency (GED) is required

* Post-secondary education in business administration, supply chain management, veterinary medicine or related discipline is preferred

* Distributor purchasing experience or purchasing experience within the animal or human health industries is preferred

* Ability to read, write, and speak English

* Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, employment policies, operating instructions, and procedural manuals.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills

* Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask

* Ability to work accurately with highly detailed information

* Basic computer skills

* The ability to interpret complex manufacturer programs

* Must be self-motivated and able to work independently

Mental & Physical Demands:

* Attention to detail to assure accuracy

* Regular interaction with people, team-player

* Daily deadlines may result in a fast pace of work

* Potential for stress related to typical problem resolution processes

* Continuous use of hands for writing and computer keyboard

* Vision: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

* Frequent use of a telephone - listening and speaking

* Ability to work at a desk throughout the day

Job duties and requirements may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of education, experience and skills required to perform the essential functions of this job. The job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Midwest Veterinary Supply reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Equipment Used:

Regularly uses typical office equipment including computer keyboard and terminal, telephone, fax, and copier.

Work Environment:

Salary/Benefits:

We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental and Vision insurance, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance, a 401k plan, paid holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO). Our work environment is business casual, and we like to have fun with weekly relaxed dress days, monthly breakfasts and birthday celebrations, and regular events like holiday contests, cookouts, and employee appreciation celebrations.

About Us:

Midwest Veterinary Supply, Inc. (MVS) has provided quality service and merchandise to the veterinary profession since 1961. Our products are distributed from eight branches located in key geographic locations within our trade area. We take great pride in getting our orders out the same day as called in and having the product in the customer's hand the next day. MVS carries products and equipment from most major manufacturers. As we continue to grow, our goal will be, as it has always been, to provide the veterinary profession the very best in service along with quality merchandise at fair and competitive prices.

Midwest Veterinary Supply believes in providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and will not violate any law prohibiting discrimination for or against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of any characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. To view applicable employment notices, please click here to visit our Careers page. California residents, click here to view the California Consumer Privacy Act Disclosure.