Assistant Buyer

Purpose: 

The Assistant Buyer supports the sourcing and procurement function for Custom Procedure Packs (CPP) in the North America operation. This role focuses on the day-to-day purchasing of components and materials, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance within the supply chain. The Assistant Buyer will work in close coordination with the Sourcing & Procurement Lead and cross-functional partners to maintain vendor communications, track orders, monitor material availability, and assist in onboarding new suppliers and components. This position is ideal for someone with a strong attention to detail, interest in healthcare operations, and a desire to grow into strategic procurement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Procurement Operations

• Create, issue, revise, and track purchase orders in ERP system based on approved demand forecasts and planning schedules.
• Ensure timely receipt of supplier order confirmations and verify pricing, minimum order quantity (MOQ), and lead time data against internal records.
• Act as a liaison with suppliers for order updates, urgent requests, backorders, and delivery discrepancies.
• Collaborate with Finance and Receiving to resolve purchase order or invoice issues related to quantity, price, or receipt timing.

Order Management & Inventory Support

• Assist in monitoring component inventory levels and open order reports to proactively flag material shortages or risk of delay.
• Support the lead Buyer in expediting and follow-up of critical items, especially those tagged as high-risk or long lead time.
• Update and maintain accurate order status in shared tracking tools and ERP dashboards.

Data Entry & Purchasing Maintenance

• Maintain clean master data for components in ERP system including lead time, pricing, and MOQ.
• Perform cost updates and assist in tracking component cost changes.
• Prepare procurement reports and metrics on order volume, vendor delivery performance, and cost history as directed.
• Support document control and file maintenance related to vendor setup, supplier correspondence, and compliance.

Vendor Communication & Sourcing Support

• Communicate directly with domestic and international suppliers regarding open orders, shipping timelines, and documentation requirements.
• Assist with supplier onboarding including gathering vendor setup forms, tax documents, component specs, and lead time/pricing confirmation.
• Work closely with the Sourcing & Procurement Lead to support evaluation of substitute components and onboarding of new vendors.

Education & Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or operations support (internships or co-op programs acceptable).
• Strong organization and attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple open orders and vendor timelines.
• Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, vlookups) and working knowledge of ERP systems (Netsuite, Fishbowl a plus).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across functions (Planning, Quality, Engineering).
• Proactive and self-directed with a willingness to learn sourcing and cost management principles.

Physical Demands 

• Long periods of sitting are required.
• Minimal lifting required.
• Use of fingers, hands, or feel objects.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Climbing stairs.
• Stand, sit, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Close vision and depth perception.