Procurement Agent

You will assist and support the process of sourcing products/services, negotiating with vendors, and coordinating distribution for the organization. Coordinates all activities related to receiving, issuing, and delivering supplies, services, and equipment beginning with intent to purchase through delivery. Promotes communication and customer service to Stores and Corporate support divisions. Prepares and reviews specifications working with internal customers and vendors to secure full descriptions of items to be used as a basis for bids within assigned classifications. Corresponds with agency representatives and vendors regarding purchase requirements, delivery, and quality. Develops sourcing strategy and leads source selection process. Negotiates the lowest possible cost for the commodity balanced against the optimum quality and schedule needs. Implements purchase contracts that comply with company and government regulations. Coordinates appropriate methods needed to distribute commodity in a cost effective manner. Develops annual business goals, monitors performance and provides feedback to supplier base. Conducts studies of material costs and supplier services and recommends changes in purchasing procedures to improve service and/or reduce cost. Maintains store budget controls, expenses, and supply approvals. Evaluates or monitors contractor performance against contract specifications and recommends remedial action, as necessary. Analyzes and approves or rejects internal and/or contractor requests for deviations from contract specifications and delivery schedules. Assures that the commodity is delivered on schedule, at the negotiated price, and meets the quality standards of the company. Maintains timely control of orders, amendments, shipping notices, and other documents to assure accurate retention of records. Maintains good business relationships with industry contacts, and maintains industry standards and trends regarding goods/services in assigned procurement category.QualificationsKnowledge of purchasing methods and procedures.Strong communication skills.Strong project management skills.Problem solving techniques.Strong interpersonal, influencing, and negotiation skills.Proven financial and analytical aptitude.PC proficient in MS Office software.The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operates 275 department stores and seven furniture galleries in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, two stores in the Detroit, Michigan area, with construction under way to open a third Parisian store in October 2007 in the Detroit market.