Purchase Order Associate

Position Summary

The Purchase Order Associate is responsible for compiling, organizing, and responding to internal customer requests regarding procurement activities. The role involves data entry, inquiry response, report generation and communication with internal and external stakeholders. The Purchasing Associate collaborates closely with operations and internal departments to support business needs while upholding company policies and regulatory standards. This is a safety sensitive position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Compiles and tracks requests for purchase orders and work orders
• Creates and maintains purchase orders via data entry within ERP system as requested by internal customers (field and project operations and other departments).
• Liaison between suppliers and internal customers to ensure clear and timely communication regarding purchase orders and invoices
• Responds timely to inquiries from internal customers and suppliers about order status, changes, and/or cancellations and assists with resolutions
• Monitors requests regarding issues with processed or in-process purchase orders and ensures responses are provided.
• Runs and prepares reports and documentation related to purchasing activities
• Reconciles data between purchasing and accounts payable to ensure supplier accounts remain current
• Provides accurate and effective document preparation and records management relative to the PO function in accordance with records retention policies and procedures.
• Performs other administrative duties in support of the Company’s Procurement Department.
• Protects CEC’s value by keeping information confidential.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective completion of tasks and projects.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Computer competency and efficiency, including intermediate Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Outlook.
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Excellent data entry skills.
• Notable communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective organizational, stress and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and plan effectively to complete tasks in a relatively fast-paced environment.
• Flexible and adaptable; ability to work in a team environment and initiative to work alone.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with various departments and levels of personnel.
• Knowledge or experience with ERP systems or procurement software is a plus

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school preferred.
• 1-3 years purchasing experience; accounts payable experience a plus

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics 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.

This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands

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.

• Requires mobility within an office environment.
• Regularly required to talk and hear. Effectively communicate with others both written and orally, including using the telephone.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• The employee may be required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and bend.
• May be required to stoop, kneel, and crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Possess good hearing, normal or corrected.
• The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• The employee may be required to climb stairs.
• Must be able to work 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week, and overtime as required and night or weekend shifts, as needed.

CEC Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in our workforce. It is our policy to attract and retain the best-qualified people available, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a military veteran, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.