The Purchasing Associate is responsible for the procurement of goods and services required for the smooth operation of the organization. This role involves coordinating with suppliers, processing purchase orders, tracking inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with company policies and budgets.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for sourcing and purchasing products, materials, or services in accordance with organizational needs. This includes obtaining quotes, negotiating prices, and managing purchase orders.
Monitor inventory levels to ensure that stock levels meet operational needs without overstocking, including daily shop floor audits to ensure inventory accuracy.
Maintain relationships with existing suppliers and evaluate new vendors. Ensure suppliers meet quality standards, delivery timelines, and pricing requirements.
Serve as a point of contact between the organization and its suppliers, handling inquiries, updates, and resolving any issues related to deliveries or products.
Coordinate with warehouse and third-party logistics teams to track inventory movements and ensure timely delivery.
Work closely with other departments such as finance, operations, and warehouse teams to coordinate purchasing activities and ensure smooth internal processes.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or equivalent required, college degree preferred.
2+ years experience in a regulated manufacturing environment required.
Strong understanding of supply chain processes and inventory management.
QUALIFICATIONS/CHARACTERISTICS
Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer navigation.
Experience working in ERP systems to perform receiving, in-process reporting, and inventory posting transactions.
Excellent attention to detail.
Strict adherence to safety requirements
Must work and interact effectively and professionally with and for others throughout various levels of the organization.
Ability to work in collaborative and independent work situations
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
Gains professional and technical knowledge through self-directed learning, collaboration with experts
WORKING CONDITIONS
Indoor production environment, duties performed indoors, adequate lighting and comfortable temperatures. Occasional exposure to moderate noise and machinery with mechanical moving parts. Availability 24/7 to respond as business situations require.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Occasionally positions self to move an item <25 lbs
Frequently move about the production floor and office area
Frequently operates a computer, enters data into systems, verifies information, etc.