What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Assistant position at Oterra?
Company Description
Oterra is the global leader in naturally sourced colors for food, beverages, dietary supplements, and pet food. Guided by our belief that nature got it right the first time, we create innovative, sustainable color solutions that help customers bring naturally colored products to consumers worldwide.
Our people are at the center of everything we do. We foster a collaborative and purpose-driven culture where employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work every day. With a growing U.S. facility in Mount Pleasant, Oterra offers exciting opportunities to join a global organization committed to our customers, innovation, and sustainability.
Job Description
Role Purpose
The Purchasing Assistant is responsible for the operational execution of procurement activities for external procured goods (traded items, STO materials and other items), ensuring timely and accurate supply to support production plans. The role focuses on end-to-end Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes, including purchase order creation, supplier coordination, logistics handling, and SAP master data management. This position requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and adherence to procurement policies and compliance standards.
Reporting & Key Interfaces
What We Offer
Oterra is the global leader in naturally sourced colors for food, beverages, dietary supplements, and pet food. Guided by our belief that nature got it right the first time, we create innovative, sustainable color solutions that help customers bring naturally colored products to consumers worldwide.
Our people are at the center of everything we do. We foster a collaborative and purpose-driven culture where employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work every day. With a growing U.S. facility in Mount Pleasant, Oterra offers exciting opportunities to join a global organization committed to our customers, innovation, and sustainability.
Job Description
Role Purpose
The Purchasing Assistant is responsible for the operational execution of procurement activities for external procured goods (traded items, STO materials and other items), ensuring timely and accurate supply to support production plans. The role focuses on end-to-end Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes, including purchase order creation, supplier coordination, logistics handling, and SAP master data management. This position requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and adherence to procurement policies and compliance standards.
Reporting & Key Interfaces
- Reports to: Global Network Planning Manager
- Primary interfaces: Network Planners, Sourcing / Account Managers, Production Planners, Finance (for invoice and payment processes).
- Reports to: Global Network Planning Manager
- Primary interfaces: Network Planners, Sourcing / Account Managers, Production Planners, Finance (for invoice and payment processes).
- Execute purchasing activities based on the network plan and production forecasts.
- Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders in SAP.
- Ensure three-way match (PO, goods receipt, invoice) and resolve discrepancies.
- Monitor blocked invoices and collaborates with Finance for resolution.
- Support vendor payment processes in compliance with company policies.
- Subcontracting process management – where applicable.
- Coordinate with local and regional suppliers for timely deliveries.
- Follow up on delivery status and expedite orders when necessary.
- Evaluate cost implications of expediting.
- Manage Ex Works logistics and import clearance.
- Create and maintain: Info Records, Source Lists, Vendor-Material Setups.
- Update: Delivery dates on STOs, PO confirmation dates.
- Update Outline Agreements with suppliers.
- Review open orders and ensure timely updates in SAP.
- Maintain accurate procurement data for reporting and audits.
- Work closely with: Network Planners, Customer Service, Sourcing / Account Managers, Production Planners, Finance (for invoice and payment processes).
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies and P2P controls.
- Support internal and external audits as required.
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, or a related field (preferred)
- APICS CPIM/CSCP certification a plus.
- 3–5 years of experience in purchasing, planning, or supply chain roles.
- Strong understanding of procurement processes and ERP systems (SAP experience preferred).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (with intermediate skills in Excel).
- Excellent communication skills.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in the food/beverage industry in a manufacturing/production environment is a plus.
- Experience with lean/continuous improvement methods.
- Strong attention to detail/accuracy, sense of urgency and good judgement required.
- Ability to analyze data to draw conclusions and make recommendations to all levels of the organization.
- Work with new product development teams to set up master data for the launch of new products and initiate workflows for new product extensions for Norh America when necessary.
What We Offer
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance available upon hire
- Generous paid time off plus 11 company-paid holidays
- Retirement contributions to help support your future
- Monthly employee engagement events and team celebrations
- A collaborative culture that encourages career growth, professional development, and internal opportunities
- The chance to be part of a supportive team where your contributions make an impact