Purchasing Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

The Purchasing Assistant supports the Purchasing Manager in ensuring the timely receipt of products and services against internal and external requirements. This role is responsible for learning and applying company purchasing policies and procedures, processing purchasing data with a high degree of accuracy, maintaining supply inventory levels required for effective company operation, and conducting regular price comparisons to ensure the company consistently obtains the best value for every purchase. The ideal candidate brings mid-level Microsoft Excel proficiency, strong data entry and data processing skills, and the proven ability to work independently while managing several complex, competing deadlines at once.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (not all inclusive)

• Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders and transmit to vendors accurately and on schedule.
• Expedite purchase orders as required to meet critical production and business deadlines.
• Serve as a resource to all divisions on purchase order and requisition questions and requirements.
• Maintain blanket purchase orders and monitor for timely renewal.
• Review, research, and resolve pricing discrepancies on purchase order confirmations and invoices.
• Build and distribute weekly PO Funds Committed and PO Receipts reports for all divisions using Microsoft Excel.
• Enter and process new vendor data into Infor with a high level of accuracy.
• Assist the MRO Purchasing Manager with cost reduction initiatives and program implementation.
• Create and maintain MRO savings spreadsheets, applying mid-level Excel functions to track and analyze results.
• Perform customer contract review and order entry.
• Maintain inventory of office, breakroom and janitorial supplies for corporate offices.
• Accurately enter and process purchasing data across multiple systems, maintaining organized, audit-ready records.
• Independently prioritize and manage multiple concurrent, complex purchasing deadlines across divisions with minimal supervision.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum High School Diploma/GED required; Associate Degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Mid-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., formulas, pivot tables, data organization and analysis) required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Strong data entry and data processing skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail; experience with Infor and/or Lotus Notes preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to manage several complex, competing deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface professionally with vendors and employees at all levels.