What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Associate position at Concepts & Associates, Inc.?
Purchasing Associate
Location: Birmingham, AL
Company: Concepts & Associates, Inc.
Reports To: Operations Manager
Overview
At Concepts & Associates, we turn creative ideas into branded products that make an impact. We're looking for a Purchasing Associate who thrives under pressure, owns their work from start to finish, and can manage dozens of moving parts without missing a beat.
This isn't a "just place the order" role—it's about precision, accountability, and proactive problem-solving. The right person is assertive, analytical, and driven by the satisfaction of flawless execution. You'll play a critical role ensuring that every logo, color, quantity, and delivery date aligns perfectly with client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Accurately enter and verify all purchase orders—confirming vendor, SKU, item specs, colors, imprint method, and delivery dates.
- Audit vendor acknowledgments daily to catch and correct discrepancies before production begins.
- Review proofs for logo placement, PMS color accuracy, and copy correctness.
- Communicate directly and assertively with vendors to confirm order details, request revisions, and expedite approvals as needed.
- Maintain meticulous tracking logs for every open order—documenting progress, approvals, and any required follow-ups.
- Collaborate with account managers to ensure client expectations and timelines are consistently met or exceeded.
- Anticipate potential bottlenecks and resolve issues independently, escalating only when necessary.
- Compare quotes, invoices, and proofs line-by-line to ensure complete accuracy and consistency.
Qualifications & Traits for Success
- Minimum 2 years' experience in purchasing, production coordination, or order management (promotional products experience a plus).
- Highly analytical mindset—comfortable managing data, spotting patterns, and solving problems quickly.
- Assertive communicator—clear, confident, and proactive when resolving discrepancies.
- Extreme attention to detail with pride in catching the smallest errors.
- Thrives in fast-changing environments and can juggle multiple priorities with tight deadlines.
- Proficiency with QuickBooks Enterprise, SAGE, or comparable purchasing/order systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Consistently organized, self-motivated, and accountable for results.
Why Join Us
Concepts & Associates is known for its commitment to excellence, speed, and creativity. You'll be part of a collaborative, fast-moving operations team that values precision, accountability, and professional growth.
If you're someone who loves solving problems, thrives under pressure, and takes pride in doing things right the first time, we want to meet you.
Job Type: Full-time
Base Pay: $50, $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000 - $55,000