PURCHASING AGENT Wallula, WA 99363, USA Req #20702 Thursday, September 5, 2024 As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers - large and small - package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility. People * Customers * Trust We are seeking resumes for a Purchasing Agent (1 Opening) in our Wallula, WA facility. Description of role: Responsible for reviewing and processing requisitions, clarify specifications, obtaining quotations, conducting analysis of proposals, conducting negotiations, monitoring vendor quality, maintaining knowledge of vendor capabilities, and determining appropriate inventories to assure optimum total cost. The goal of the position is to obtain those materials and services at the lowest effective cost per ton of paper and pulp produced by the mill. Principle Accountabilities: Responsible for quotation & bid requests & analysis, selection of primary & secondary vendors, purchase commitments, issuing purchase orders, writing contracts, & expediting the timely receipt of materials, equipment & services to sustain the normal operation of the mill. Become familiar with specific markets, work with various depts & vendors to obtain optimum value and act as a liaison to solve problems & facilitate communication. Work with accounts payable to ensure accurate & timely payment of vendor invoices. Maintain appropriate records & reports. Be available for emergency calls. Negotiate and write contracts and capital purchases. Work with contractors and key suppliers to ensure they are continually improving to meet PCA's quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Develop and implement blanket purchase orders and contracts, monitor vendor performance and conducting annual vendor reviews. Responsible for maintaining good working relationships with both internal customers and vendors to meet materials and services specifications in a timely manner. May be assigned additional procurement duties as required. Strives to continually strengthen PCA's business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectation for customers specifically supporting PCA's Commitment to Service which involves doing what's right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make. Basic Qualifications: Minimum of 3 years' work experience in purchasing/contract administration and related activities. Must be able to travel as necessary and possess a valid U.S. driver's license Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Preferred Qualifications: BS degree in Purchasing, Business Administration, Engineering or related field. CPSM certification. Experience in the Pulp and Paper industry. The successful candidate must possess the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Demonstrated competence in procurement/stores systems and aptitude for manufacturing equipment and processes. Self-starter with a commitment to customer service. Solid analytical and mathematical skills. Must be able to analyze a multitude of issues and effectively communicate findings. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills to