Purchasing & Operations Support Specialist

The purpose of the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind shall be the rehabilitation, education, training and employment of people who are blind and visually impaired, and the furtherance of their interests and welfare through programs designed to provide rehabilitation, training and employment opportunities, being wholly charitable and benevolent.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Purchasing & Operations Support Specialist position is an indirect labor support position, reporting to the Quality & Distribution Manager.  The position is a blended position, primarily responsible for material management through purchasing, delivery, receiving, inspecting, inventory management and systems data entry and other operations support.  

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Support the organization's mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, honesty, respect for others, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Manage purchasing activities including supplier communication, order placement, shipment routing and tracking through receipt and invoice reconciliation
• Support daily warehouse operation tasks including shipping and receiving, loading and unloading trailers, production tracking, material transfers and preparing materials for production or storage
• Arrange inbound materials shipments and maintain receiving schedules
• Communicate with suppliers to resolve problems that may arise regarding delivery, quality, price, or conditions of sale, documents in QMS system and takes corrective action when required
• Maintain ERP system with accurate expected PO dates and updated price lists
• Collaborate with production planner, customer service, and receiving departments to maximize efficient material flow
• Assist with monitoring virtual and physical inventories and stock levels
• Support quality assurance documentation and administrative tasks, including creating and maintaining controlled documents
• Perform data entry and system updates as directed in ERP and QMS systems
• Assist with reporting and analysis related to purchasing and inventory
• Collaborate on business development efforts to assist with new product development
• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• 2 years of experience in purchasing, inventory, or operations support preferred
• Forklift experience is preferred

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software needed to check purchase orders and maintain purchasing records
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments is a plus
• Must be able to obtain and maintain fork truck driver certification

• Alternate between warehouse, production and office settings as needed
• Must be able to reach above shoulder height, below the waist, or lift as required move materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques are required.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs
• Hearing must be within the normal range for necessary radio usage
• Vision must be correctable to safely perform all tasks. 

Salary : $18 - $22