Purchasing Agent

WHO WE ARE:

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan since 1955, Lumbermen’s operates in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Minnesota. A leading distributor and manufacturer, we are driven by our mission to enrich lives by intentionally caring for all who experience us.  We are employee owned and relationship powered.

 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

Based in Byron Center, the person in this role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring goods, materials, and services that support the organization’s operations. This position ensures that purchases are made cost-effectively, meet quality standards, and are delivered on schedule. Key responsibilities include evaluating suppliers, preparing and managing purchase orders, maintaining vendor relationships, and coordinating with internal departments to sustain appropriate inventory levels. The role requires strong negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills, along with attention to detail and compliance with company policies and procedures. Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, as it ensures reliable communication with vendors and timely execution of purchasing activities.

Day-to-day responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Living Out Lumbermen’s Culture – modeling Lumbermen’s core values.
• Fostering Relationships – developing and fostering strong relationships both will fellow employee owners and vendor partners.
• Managing Inventory Levels – placing purchase orders to ensure sufficient inventory to meet customer demand.
• Process Verification – Confirming order acknowledgement details, maintaining accuracy of purchase orders, and monitoring fulfillment.
• Problem Solving – Researching and implementing solutions as issues arise.
• KPI Tracking – Maintaining vendor scorecards.
• Fostering Teamwork – Performing other duties and offering support as needed.

WHO WE NEED:

An employee owner who embraces, models, and promotes Lumbermen’s Mission, Vision, and Promise and has:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with good negotiation tactics
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive approach and independence with the ability to take initiative
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong teamwork focus
• Ability to effectively move between a variety of tasks

Desired Skills

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Passion for working with numbers and other statistical data.
• Highly organized
• Ability to productively work through conflicts and foster relationships
• Intermediate/advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook

Key Qualifications/Requirements

• 1-3 years’ experience in purchasing and/or inventory control
• Certified Purchasing Professional or similar certification desired
• Coursework in business, accounting/finance, or a related field desired

WHAT WE OFFER:

Lumbermen’s exists to enrich the lives of people by intentionally caring for all who experience us.  You will experience a different kind of work environment and “family” here and help live out the Lumbermen’s promises of committing to those who count on us, doing what’s right, exercising sound business practices and earning consideration. Other benefits include:

• A collaborative and supportive work environment
• ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) – generous company-funded retirement
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending/health savings account
• 401(k)
• The SOURCE – free and confidential support resources for our team
• Clothing allowance (for applicable roles)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Training and development
• Advancement opportunities

Lumbermen’s is proud to be a drug and alcohol-free workplace.  In addition, Lumbermen’s will not discriminate against any employee or candidate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. We participate in E-Verify.