Purchasing Assistant

Purchasing Assistant

The Purchasing Assistant supports the procurement department by coordinating purchasing activities, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the timely delivery of materials and services. This role works closely with the Senior Buyer, suppliers, and internal departments to manage inventory, place orders, resolve discrepancies, and keep purchasing operations running efficiently.

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Key Responsibilities

Procurement Support

• Assist the Senior Buyer with creating, issuing, and tracking purchase orders.

• Request and evaluate supplier quotes, lead times, and pricing; summarize and compare offers.

• Consolidate inventory and perform adjustments for packaging Materials

• Create, issue, and manage subcontractor purchase orders.

• Maintain supplier records, pricing lists, and purchasing documentation.

• Monitor open orders, delivery schedules, overdue shipments, and material availability.

• Communicate regularly with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order changes, and required documentation.

• Follow up with vendors on shipment status and help resolve discrepancies.

• Support inventory control by monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages or discrepancies, including packaging and consumables.

• Enter and update purchase orders and item data in the ERP system (SAP).

• Ensure accuracy of item master data, pricing, and vendor information.

• Assist with generating purchasing reports, such as open PO summaries, shortages, and supplier performance metrics.

• Coordinate with accounting, receiving, and quality teams to resolve invoice, receiving, or quality issues.

Administrative & Analytical Tasks

• Organize and maintain purchasing files, certifications, and contracts.

• Assist with vendor evaluations and procurement-related projects.

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Skills & Qualifications

Required

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (SAP preferred).

• Effective communication skills with both suppliers and internal departments.

• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

• Experience in procurement, supply chain, or inventory management.

• Basic understanding of purchasing terminology (lead time, MOQ, safety stock, etc.).

• Knowledge of manufacturing, logistics, or materials management environments.

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Education & Experience

• High school diploma required; Associate degree preferred.

• Minimum 1 year of SAP experience.

• 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or administrative support roles.

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Role Impact

• Ensures smooth purchasing operations

• Supports timely flow of materials

• Maintains accurate pricing and data

• Strengthens supplier relationships

• Contributes to inventory accuracy and production continuity

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• SAP: 1 year (Required)
• Purchasing: 2 years (Required)
• Supply chain: 2 years (Preferred)
• Administrative: 2 years (Required)
• Microsoft Excel: 2 years (Required)
• Data entry: 2 years (Required)
• Procurement: 2 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person