Plumbing/Mechanical Purchasing Agent

Dakota Supply Group (DSG) is seeking a Plumbing & MechanicalPurchasing Agent in our Plymouth, MN location. (Qualified candidates who live within commuting distance of other DSG locations may also be considered.) In this full time, on-site, hourly position, work is typically performed during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, but may vary on occasion according to business needs. As a Purchasing Agent, you will help achieve the desired key results through the effective management of DSG’s inventory investment. Some travel to other branches, trade shows, and training opportunities may be required.

DSG is a people-centric, customer-obsessed, and growth-focused wholesale distributor. With over 130,000 (and growing!) products, not only are we one of the most diversified suppliers in the upper Midwest, we also have expertise in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, waterworks, utility, communications, and more! We have fun, we are friendly, and we embody a culture that genuinely cares for people far beyond their job title. Our purpose is to serve fellow employee owners, our partners, and communities toward building a better America, one job at a time. We are proud to be 100% employee owned, with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that gives our employee owners a unique opportunity to build their personal wealth in addition to a traditional retirement plan.

A Typical Day in the Life of a Plumbing/Mechanical Purchasing Agent at DSG:

• Review and place purchase orders with vendors for the replenishment of stock and non-stock items
• Verify pricing information and descriptions of all purchased items
• Research market pricing and stay competitive by taking advantage of special pricing, terms, freight, discounts, dating, rebates, and returned goods programs
• Analyze reports for demand, order points, unusual movement, stock-outs, overstock or excess inventory
• Determine the best shipping method for DSG and their customers
• Maintain current product catalogs
• Expedite communication on price changes to the Product File maintenance team
• Monitor overdue purchase orders and communicate with sales teams to close out
• Maintain good relationships with suppliers to ensure the company receives favorable terms and competitive costs
• Maintain a strong knowledge and understanding of current market conditions; relay relevant information to the Purchasing Manager as needed
• Maintain accurate product files in all aspects: item description, minimum buy package, etc., including cost
• Seek opportunities for growth in vertical and horizontal markets; search for new products and seek better negotiated costs with suppliers
• Maintain a high level of product knowledge
• Resolve price discrepancies with vendors and Accounts Payable to assure proper vendor billing and to maximize cash discounts for the company
• Perform other duties as assigned

A Successful Plumbing/Mechanical Purchasing Agent Typically Has:

• A high school diploma or equivalent, with secondary or post-secondary coursework concentrated in a related field, OR equivalent, relevant, on the job experience.
• 3-5 years’ experience in purchasing and/or inventory management.
• Strong business acumen and an understanding of supply chain management and the workflow of wholesale distribution.
• Prior experience interpreting business reports and performance metrics.
• Proven proficiency in computers and the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
• Outstanding interpersonal, customer service and communication skills across a variety of settings (in-person, phone, and email).
• Strong negotiation skills.
• The ability to thrive in a team environment.

At DSG, We Offer Benefits Built for You:

• We are proudly 100% employee owned, which means your hard work and decisions directly benefit not only the success of the organization, but also your individual Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• We are highly committed to your training and development, offering personal and professional development opportunities and unlimited growth potential.
• We offer competitive compensation packages based on your experience and potential.
• You will receive generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Medical Leave (EML) allowances.
• Our comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision, also offers a multitude of other perks such as life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution, among many others.
• You will have the opportunity to prepare for your future through multiple retirement savings opportunities, including a 401(k) with employer match and ESOP.
• You will receive a discounton all DSG-supplied products.
• We believe in giving back to our communities and hope that you will too, which is why we offer paid volunteer hours in addition to PTO.