Fast Facts

The Exploratorium is seeking a Purchasing Agent to manage procurement operations, effectively communicate with vendors, and maintain relationships to support their exhibit production team in San Francisco, CA.

Responsibilities: Manage requisition requests, source goods and services, facilitate purchase approvals, and maintain vendor databases for the exhibits group.

Skills: Strong communication, organizational abilities, experience with ERP and accounting systems, and familiarity with technical drawings are essential.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in relevant fields or equivalent experience, plus a minimum of three years in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in R&D or production settings.

Location: This position is based in San Francisco, CA.

Compensation: $41 - $43 / Hourly

SUMMARY

The Exploratorium Exhibits group produces assets and experiences that inspire visitors, empower educators, and contribute to Exploratorium’s global impact. Largely a research, development and production operation, the Exhibits group produces interactive exhibits, architectural elements, graphics collateral, and more for our museum floor and local community, as well as for partner organizations around the world. The Purchasing Agent works closely with production staff, from managers to engineers to graphic designers, as well as with the institutional Accounting group. This position will source and procure certain goods and services for our creative endeavors, as well as facilitating the purchase approval process for our shop staff doing their own purchasing. This position reports to the Director, Exhibit Production.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage incoming requisition requests from staff and quickly and accurately turn them into live purchase orders with the appropriate vendor, maintaining excellent communications and records throughout. In addition to purchasing off-the-shelf products, this will include conveying specifications for made-to-order parts and custom production processes to job shops and specialty vendors, facilitating technical communications between vendors and Exploratorium engineers and designers as needed, and working with our logistics staff to coordinate specialty transport of finished custom goods.
• As needed, request and receive multiple quotes for purchases, communicating effectively with creative teams to select final vendor and maintaining good (auditable) records.   
• Maintain database of vendor information and tables of preferred vendors for a variety of goods and services (e.g. exhibit materials, custom fabrication, finishing, construction services, printing, and logistics).
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with specific key vendors, with the goal of reducing costs and obtaining excellent products and services.
• Ensure incoming materials are properly received and physically routed to staff, inventory, secondary operations, etc.
• With the Accounting department, coordinate matching of invoices to corresponding purchase orders / receipt confirmation, reconciliation of our PO system with actual invoice terms, and approval for payment by project leaders.
• Additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, accounting, engineering, applied sciences, or similar, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum three year’s direct work experience in procurement, supply chain management, accounting, or similar, preferably in an R&D or small-scale manufacturing/production setting
• Ability to read technical drawings, including fabrication, mechanical assembly, and electrical schematics a plus
• Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong business technology experience including ERP/PLM systems (e.g. Rootstock, Netsuite), accounting & finance systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Adaptive Insights), relational database systems (e.g. Filemaker, Microsoft Access), and the basics (e.g. MS office, Google suite)
• Excellent communication, administrative, and organizational skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to use a telephone, computer terminal, lift and carry 25-50 lbs. short distances, lift, reach, bend, and move from place to place.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a regular, full-time (37.5 hours per week), non-exempt, union position that includes benefits. The starting range for this role is $41.37 to $43.79 DOE. This range represents steps 1-3 on a 6 step union pay scale. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to an inclusive workforce.