Purchasing Agent III

Join Rheem Midwest Distribution, proudly part of Rheem, a global leader in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) innovation!

With over 100 years of trusted service, Rheem Midwest Distribution has built a strong network across Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska delivering top-quality HVAC products, exceptional service, and industry-leading training to residential contractors.

At Rheem Midwest Distribution, we continue to operate with a small-company feel but with the resources and benefits of a large company—creating opportunities for growth and success for both our team and our customers. As part of the Rheem family, we’re stronger than ever and committed to:

• Building respectful relationships

• Acting with integrity

• Prioritizing service to others

• Striving for excellence

Step into an environment where innovation meets opportunity, and where you can grow with a company that values both its employees and its customers!

The Purchasing Agent III is responsible for the cost-effective procurement of HVAC equipment and supplies as well as maintaining our ERP system to support Design Air’s growing operation. HVAC product knowledge, detailed analysis capability, vendor relations, and negotiation skills are key elements of this role. In addition to working with Purchasing team members, the Purchasing Agent will work with many other departments to ensure inventory levels are aligned with business needs.

This position supports Rheem Midwest Distribution and can be located in Kimberly, WI, West Allis, WI, or Madison, WI. This is an on-site position.

• Develop and execute standardized purchasing procedures and processes across all company locations

• Assure and maintain outstanding levels of customer service for both internal and external customers

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains for the benefit of the business and our customers

• Meet and negotiate with suppliers to deliver the best value to our customers

• Source products and services to support sales team and customer inquiries

• Maintain a technical competence for HVAC equipment, supplies and services – stay up to date with relevant industry trends and customer needs

• Stay proficient in using the Prophet 21 ERP system and Blue Ridge supply chain platform to place purchase orders, generate transfers, customer orders, and support inventory activities

• Support the marketing team in the development of monthly advertising and promotions to keep other team members informed and grow sales

• Work with Operations and Accounts Payable on supplier damage and shipping errors

• Eliminate dead and nonperforming inventory

• Create custom reports using White Cup

• Support Blue Hawk buying cooperative based on business needs

• Track and manage rebate opportunities with suppliers

• Foster a positive, flexible and team-oriented attitude that supports our culture

• Travel to other branches and vendor facilities as needed

• Perform other duties to support the business as assigned or on an interim basis

• 5+ years of purchasing experience and/or knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures required

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferred

• HVAC industry experience or knowledge preferred

• Experience with ERP systems (P21) preferred

• Ability to think critically and logically under pressure and work in a fast-paced environment

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation 

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to multitask 

• Ability to collaborate and work independently

• Build strong working relationships with all levels of staff, customers, and suppliers

• Use independent judgment to respond appropriately to customer needs and solve problems

• Ability to prepare and present business cases for the addition or deletion of inventory items

• Ability to educate team members on the features/benefits of HVAC products

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Excel)

As a leader at Rheem, how you achieve results is as important as the results you achieve. While LEADING OTHERS, you will be expected to demonstrate the following competencies and behaviors:

• Aligning Performance for Success

• Applying Business Knowledge

• Building Talent

• Building Trusting Relationships

• Communicating with Impact

• Customer-Orientation

• Delegating Tasks

• Executing/Leading the Team

• Facilitating Change

• Fostering Relationships/Emotional Intelligence

• Influencing

• Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Supporting Innovation

Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements.

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