Purchasing Agent/Buyer Responsible for all activities involved with procuring goods such as raw materials, packaging materials, equipment and supplies and manage inventory. Solicits quotes, conducts bid evaluations, evaluates costs, negotiates optimum delivery schedules and ensures the best combination of price, quantity discount, product quality and supports long term agreements for Master Orders and Blanket Orders where appropriate. Establishes positive pro-active working relationships with all vendors as well as seeking out new products, ingredients and methods that may increase value and innovativeness for the company Reduces errors for scheduled delivery dates by continual communication with vendors. Reduces lead times with vendors supplying raw materials by utilizing MRP systems. Keeps updated lead times and pricing on the system. Prepares definite purchase orders including terms and conditions and communicates effectively with suppliers regarding current prices, availability and delivery schedules and administer contracts with suppliers within budgetary limitations.  Negotiates yearly rebates and purchase incentives with vendors. *First year as buyer, saved company over $105,000+ for chemicals/raw materials Resolves problems purchasing, delivery. delivery with defective or unacceptable goods or services, receiving and payment to the supplier, users, and others to determine source of trouble and takes corrective action Verifies receipts to invoices and reconcile any invoice discrepancies and approves invoices for payment. Communicates with user departments such as Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Planning, and Engineering to ensure their requirements are being met.