What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Specialist position at Palmer-Donavin?
Position Overview
The Purchasing Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring Palmer-Donavin has the right products available at the right time to meet customer demand. This position is responsible for executing the day-to-day purchasing process with accuracy and urgency, maintaining clean and reliable data in the ERP system, and supporting communication between vendors and internal teams.
This role serves as the operational backbone of the purchasing function—allowing Buyers to focus on strategic sourcing and vendor relationships while ensuring execution is consistent, timely, and dependable.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create and submit purchase orders to vendors based on system demand and buyer direction
- Review purchase orders for accuracy, including pricing, quantities, delivery timelines, and ship-to locations
- Track vendor acknowledgements and maintain up-to-date delivery and cost information in the ERP system
- Follow up on open, delayed, or unconfirmed orders to ensure timely resolution
- Communicate order updates, delays, and risks to internal stakeholders
- Maintain accurate item and vendor data within the ERP system, including pricing and lead times
- Assist with new product setup and ensure items are correctly configured for purchasing and sales
- Monitor inventory levels and system alerts, escalating potential shortages or discrepancies
- Support inventory reporting, data analysis, and cycle count reconciliation efforts
- Collaborate with Customer Service, Accounting, Receiving, and Sales teams to provide updates and resolve issues
- Respond to internal inquiries regarding order status, inventory availability, and vendor communication
- Participate in team meetings and provide updates on open issues or risks
- Identify process inefficiencies and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field preferred
- 0–2 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, operations, or a related role preferred
- Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general comfort working within systems/ERP platforms
- Problem-solving mindset with the ability to proactively follow up and resolve issues
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams
Requirements
- Satisfactory criminal history check
- Signed confidentiality agreement