Purchasing & Operations Support Specialist

The purpose of the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind shall be the rehabilitation, education, training and employment of people who are blind and visually impaired, and the furtherance of their interests and welfare through programs designed to provide rehabilitation, training and employment opportunities, being wholly charitable and benevolent.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Purchasing & Operations Support Specialist position is an indirect labor support position, reporting to the Quality & Distribution Manager. The position is responsible for supporting our operations through purchasing, inventory management, quality administration, and systems data entry.

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Support the organization's mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, honesty, respect for others, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, inventory, or operations support preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage purchasing activities including supplier communication, order placement, shipment routing and tracking through receipt and invoice reconciliation
• Communicate with suppliers to resolve problems that may arise regarding delivery, quality, price, or conditions of sale, documents in QMS system and takes corrective action when required
• Maintain ERP system with accurate expected PO dates and updated price lists
• Collaborate with production planner, customer service, and receiving departments to maximize efficient material flow
• Assist with monitoring virtual and physical inventories and stock levels
• Support quality assurance documentation and administrative tasks, including creating and maintaining controlled documents
• Perform data entry and system updates as directed in ERP and QMS systems
• Assist with reporting and analysis related to purchasing and inventory
• Collaborate on business development efforts to assist with new product development
• Performs other duties as assigned

SKILLS

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software needed to check purchase orders and maintain purchasing records
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable blind individuals to perform essential functions.