What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Specialist position at Imperial Star Solar?
Overview
The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for executing procurement activities to ensure accurate, timely, and cost-effective purchasing that supports uninterrupted manufacturing operations. This role manages purchase orders, supplier coordination, and material planning while supporting inventory accuracy, cost control, and cross-functional communication.
Responsibilities
Purchasing & Order Management
- Create, review, and manage purchase orders to ensure accuracy and timely processing.
- Track purchase orders, confirm delivery timelines, and resolve discrepancies.
- Ensure purchased items are delivered as scheduled and notify requestors upon receipt or delays.
Supplier Coordination & Issue Resolution
- Communicate with vendors to confirm pricing, order details, and delivery schedules.
- Follow up on delays, discrepancies, and service issues to ensure timely resolution.
Invoice & Cost Control
- Review and match invoices against purchase orders for accuracy.
- Track and verify costs related to materials, transportation, and services.
- Support identification of cost-saving opportunities.
Quote Review & Purchasing Support
- Obtain, compare, and evaluate vendor quotes to support cost-effective purchasing decisions.
Inventory & Material Support
- Support purchasing plans based on production needs.
- Assist with cycle counts, stock verification, and tracking incoming materials.
- Help maintain accurate inventory records and resolve discrepancies.
Logistics & Coordination
- Coordinate deliveries, shipments, returns, and vendor pickups as needed.
- Work closely with warehouse and production teams to ensure material availability.
Cross-Functional Support
- Partner with Warehouse, Production, Finance, and Maintenance teams to fulfill purchasing needs.
Reporting & Documentation
- Maintain purchasing records and generate basic reports.
- Ensure proper documentation (W-9s, tax exemption forms, vendor records) is complete and accurate.
Other Duties
- Perform additional tasks as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
- 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in manufacturing.
- Knowledge of purchase order processes, invoice matching, and supplier coordination.
- Understanding of Texas sales & use tax exemption and W-9 documentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel required); ERP experience preferred.
- Fluency in English; bilingual in Mandarin is a plus.
Competencies
- Strong attention to detail and organization.
- Effective communication with vendors and internal teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Problem-solving mindset with a focus on accuracy and timeliness.
- Team-oriented and dependable.
Work Environment
Office and manufacturing floor environment with frequent cross-functional interaction.
Physical Demands
Regular sitting, standing, walking, and computer use; occasional lifting as needed.