Central Purchasing Agent

Department: Accounting

Reports to: Manager of Accounting

Supervises: None

Directs: None

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Last reviewed: May 2026

NCS Code: 35-2371

OBJECTIVE:

Responsible for overseeing the company's procurement and inventory management.

RESPONSIBILITES AND AUTHORITIES:

1. Administers capital purchases for company requiring purchase orders

2. Receives purchase specifications from departments, prepares and solicits bids

3. Responsible for disposal and sale of obsolete equipment including vehicles

4. Maintains requisition and purchase order records

5. Keeps current on all RUS material specifications

6. Directs annual material physical inventory and may at any time do a random unannounced spot count of any warehouse material

7. Responsible for communicating with meter and warehouse personnel in maintaining appropriate stock levels

8. Responsible for verifying all capital purchases are in budget and receiving General Manager approval if not

9. Develop bid documents and evaluate service level of vendors

10. Assist in the development of the company's annual work plan and capital budget

11. Administer with consultation of warehouseman the resale of material to members

12. Assist employees with appliance purchase program thru payroll deduction process.

13. Responsible for maintaining capital budget year-to-date worksheet.

14. Responsible for communicating with assigned grant personnel on project material request, soliciting bids, creating purchase order for all project materials following all Federal and State purchasing requirements.

15. Strict adherence to all Cooperative policies and procedures is mandatory

16. Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION:

Associate's degree is highly preferred. Additional course work in word processing, spreadsheets, communications, consumer relations, Microsoft Office software and writing skills is required. Course in basic electricity is desirable.

EXPERIENCE:

Four years of general office experience in an environment where there is strong emphasis on computer skills in word processing and spread sheet work is required. Prior experience in a utility is desirable. Strong knowledge of line & substation materials used in electrical utility is desirable.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

The fully competent incumbent must possess the following:

- Thorough understanding of Materials Management System

- Understanding of RUS construction unit assemblies and acceptable materials for overhead construction

- Principles and practices of dealing with customers and employees

- Cooperative safety rules and policies

- General office procedures, record keeping, work order processes

- Computer skills including spreadsheets

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

- Balancing multiple priorities and dealing with frequent interruptions

- Ability to read LCEC maps

- Ability to read, write and understand legal contracts, documents, and procedure manuals

- Ability to evaluate facts relating to engineering jobs and determine proper job flow and procedures

- Must be able to use all required office equipment

- Must be able to organize files and to safeguard confidential information

- Good communications skills with the ability to work with departmental managers and the employees

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment. Subject to callout in emergency. Exposure to hazardous or toxic material may possibly occur, which may require the use of protective equipment. Frequently work independently without direct supervision. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Must have the ability to perform the strenuous physical requirements of the position and must work non-scheduled overtime during emergencies. Position is considered safety sensitive.