Job Details

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it—innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are looking for Purchasing Agent II to join the Kaiser Aluminum team in Spokane Washington!

The Purchasing Agent II - Spokane Washington is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the use of standard purchasing practices for procurement at Kaiser Aluminum. This role will support plant and corporate requisitioners across multiple sites, provide commercial support for projects, and manage purchasing terms, contract language, negotiations, supplier relationships, cost tracking, and expediting when necessary. All work will be performed in compliance with company policies and procedures, with a focus on accuracy and efficiency to meet departmental and plant needs and timelines. This is an onsite position.

What's in it for you!

To support our teams and their families beyond the workplace, we provide an outstanding benefits package effective day one of employment!

• Salary range $75,000-$85,000 per year depending on experience
• High deductible medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, including spouse and children (modest payroll deductions)
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation (2-4 weeks depending on experience)
• Supplemental leave (used in conjunction with Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave)
• 401K with matching company funds
• Quarterly bonus structure
• Tuition reimbursement

What you will work on:

• Ensure purchase orders (POs) are requisitioned and approved according to the appropriate Delegation of Authority.
• Develop POs in alignment with company policy for material purchases, service contracts (including professional, environmental, construction, rentals, and equipment), as required.
• Review and analyze spending trends to collaborate with suppliers and secure cost savings.
• Utilize established templates to ensure consistency in purchase order and contract language.
• Identify and source suppliers to meet cost, quality, and performance objectives.
• Prepare bid packages and solicit proposals from suppliers, coordinating the evaluation and selection process with internal technical representatives in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Act as a liaison between suppliers and internal plant personnel to obtain product specifications or service information, including pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Facilitate conflict resolution by determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Monitor, document, and manage supplier performance, both formally and informally, to ensure the highest levels of service and supply.
• Maintain records for purchase orders, contracts, and suppliers in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing Tools and Continuous Improvement techniques to enhance administrative processes, distribution, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain a high level of collaboration with site leadership to support overall site objectives.

What you will bring to the role:

• A bachelor's degree in business or technical field is required.
• A minimum of four years purchasing experience is preferred.
• Experience with purchasing expediting, contracting, and cost tracking.
• An ability to plan for and use resources efficiently, always looking for ways to reduce costs.
• Mechanical aptitude is a plus.
• Self-motivated with internal drive to begin and complete tasks without external prompting.
• Lean manufacturing experience preferred.
• Data analysis and presentation skills; ability to create accurate and punctual reports.
• Proven ability to drive change in an organization, generate new ideas, challenge the status quo, encourage innovation, solve problems creatively, and support change.
• Analytical skills, an ability to understand underlying issues and complex processes, and know the difference between critical details and less important facts.
• An ability to work across multiple locations with a high degree of detail and collaboration to support customer's needs.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; good listening skills.
• High attention to detail; will continuously look for improvements and find root cause of quality problems.
• An ability to ensure commitments to customers and build customer confidence.
• Proven ability to work in teams, meet all responsibilities, listen to others and value opinions, help others to meet goals, and promote a team atmosphere.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Positive negotiation skills and the ability to stay focused on a positive outcome.
• Excellent decision-making skills; will recognize problems and respond, making timely decisions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, keeping information organized and accessible.
• Strong PC skills, including Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Access, and Excel.

About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing a diverse and inclusive culture. We are strongly committed to expanding inclusion, equity, and diversity – how we hire, develop, and inspire our diverse team members that reflects and relates to the increasingly multicultural community.

"No third-party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening".