Duties & Responsibilities: Review and action all purchasing requests that come from internal and external customers for accuracy, terminology, and specifications Determine if the current inventory quantities are sufficient for the request, ordering more materials when necessary Prepare purchase orders and send copies to suppliers and to departments originating requests Respond to customer and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations Performing buying duties Contact suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems Prepare, maintain, and review purchasing files, reports, and price lists Compare prices, specifications, and delivery dates to determine the best bid among potential suppliers Track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders Calculate the cost of orders, and charge or forward invoices to the appropriate accounts Manage activities related to strategic or tactical purchasing, material requirement planning Meet with suppliers to discuss performance metrics, to provide performance feedback, or to discuss production forecasts or changes Confer with supply chain planners to forecast demand or create supply plans that ensure the availability of materials or products Monitor forecasts and quotes to identify changes or to determine their effect on supply chain activities Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers, vendors, or freight forwarders Define performance metrics for measurement, comparison, or evaluation of supply chain factors, such as sales, marketing, finance, production, or quality assurance Implement new or improved supply chain processes Design or implement supply chains that support business strategies adapted to changing market conditions, new business opportunities, or cost reduction strategies