Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent

Highway Machine Co. is looking for a detail-oriented and dependable Purchasing Agent to join our Princeton, Indiana team. This position supports our manufacturing operations by purchasing raw materials, components, supplies, and outside services needed to keep production moving.

You'll work closely with the Purchasing Manager, production, inventory, quality, engineering, and other departments to ensure materials and services are available when needed, meet quality requirements, and are purchased at competitive costs. This is an opportunity to work in a stable manufacturing environment where organization, communication, follow-through, and attention to detail are important.

Why Join HMC?

HMC is a family-owned company that has been in business since 1921. For more than 100 years, we have built our reputation on precision manufacturing, quality workmanship, and strong customer relationships. We are a stable employer that values our employees and provides opportunities to build a long-term career.

At HMC, you'll be part of a custom manufacturing environment where products and customer requirements can vary from project to project. You'll work with experienced employees across purchasing, production, engineering, inventory, and quality to help keep materials and services moving through the operation.

What you'll do:

• Assist the Purchasing Manager with sourcing and purchasing materials, components, supplies, and outside services
• Request and evaluate supplier pricing, availability, lead times, and other purchasing information
• Issue purchase orders and maintain accurate purchasing information in the company's ERP/MRP system
• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to support on-time delivery
• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery requirements
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with suppliers and vendors
• Assist with evaluating supplier performance and identifying potential purchasing or supply issues
• Work with the Quality Department and suppliers to address material non-conformance and quality concerns
• Work with production, inventory, engineering, and other departments to understand material and purchasing requirements
• Review purchasing requirements and help identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve lead times, and increase efficiency
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, documentation, and supplier information
• Support inventory and material planning activities as needed
• Assist with continuous improvement efforts related to purchasing and supply chain processes
• Follow company purchasing procedures, quality requirements, and applicable policies
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs

What we're looking for:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow through on orders, deadlines, and supplier commitments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to make sound, ethical decisions and maintain confidentiality
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel
• Ability and willingness to learn manufacturing processes, materials, and purchasing requirements

Preferred, but not required:

• Associate's degree or certification in Business, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Logistics, or a related field
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Logistics, or a related field
• Previous purchasing, procurement, inventory, or supply chain experience
• Purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems
• Experience working with raw materials, industrial components, or outside processing services
• Experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or vendor management
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality requirements

Work Environment

Primarily an office environment with regular interaction with production, inventory, quality, engineering, and other departments. Occasional exposure to the manufacturing shop floor may be required to better understand materials, processes, and production requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
• Ability to stand and walk throughout the facility as needed
• Ability to occasionally bend, reach, and lift or carry materials weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to safely enter and move through a manufacturing environment when required

Benefits Include

• Paid vacation and holidays
• Health and vision insurance
• Company-paid dental insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with company match
• Optional wellness benefits

HMC is committed to building a long-term workforce and providing employees with the stability, resources, and opportunities they need to grow with the company.

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

This description of the essential functions and responsibilities of the position is a basic summary of the requirements. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.