Purchasing Associate

JOB SUMMARY

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.
• Develop and maintain a facility wide “plan for every part” to determine appropriate inventory levels and warehousing space required for material storage.
• Develop and implement visual controls / kanban systems for all commonly used raw materials and consumables across the facility.
• Perform daily shop floor audits of raw material and consumable stock to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Assist in the design and implementation of a new warehouse space to support raw material and WIP storage.
• Directly participate in all Kaizen events associated with shipping, receiving and material storage.
• 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.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 annually