Purchasing Specialist

Department: Body & Home 

Reports to: Director of Body & Home 

Pay Grade: 12- E Coordinator/Entry-Level Support 

Pay Range: $46,000 - $56,000 

Job Summary 

As a Purchasing Specialist at Thistle Farms Body & Home, you will embody Thistle Farms’ core values of radical hospitality and quality matters as you support the manufacturing operations by ensuring timely and accurate procurement of raw materials, components, supplies and services required to produce and deliver Thistle Farms’ products.  Additionally, you will assist the Shared Trade Buyer in purchasing and coordinating the delivery of finished products created by global partners across Thistle Farms’ Shared Trade network. 

You will be responsible for working across the organization (1) to create and process purchase orders, (2) to communicate and coordinate with suppliers, (3) to maintain procurement records and (4) to support an efficient and uninterrupted manufacturing operation. 

Your efforts and contributions in this role directly support our ability to spread the awareness and joy of Thistle Farms mission which is embodied in every hand-made product delivered to our customers and supporters worldwide. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

• You must effectively and efficiently work in a fast-paced environment. 

• You must be organized and maintain a clean and functional workspace. 

• You will consistently communicate with the Inventory and Warehouse Manager, Production Manager and Shared Trade Buyer so you can: 

• Create, issue and track purchase orders for raw materials, components, supplies and other production-related services. 

• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order confirmations and delivery schedules. 

• Support inventory control by monitoring stock levels, initiating timely orders and alerting the Organization of shortages. 

• You will ensure all purchase requisitions and purchase orders are appropriately approved and recorded in the Inventory Management system. 

• You will maintain accurate purchasing, supplier and material records in the Inventory Management system. 

• You will monitor purchase orders and follow up on outstanding orders to ensure on-time delivery to meet production requirements. 

• You will assist the Inventory and Warehouse Manager to resolve discrepancies related to shortages, damaged materials, pricing and delivery delays. 

• You will ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, quality standards and regulatory requirements. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in business, supply chain, or related field preferred. 

• Previous experience in purchasing or clerical roles within a manufacturing environment preferred. 

• Familiarity with manufacturing materials, BOMs (bill of materials), and production processes is an asset. 

• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office (especially Excel). 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced production environment. 

Skills & Competencies 

• Effective communication and vendor coordination skills. 

• Problem-solving skills related to supply shortages and delivery issues. 

• Time management and ability to meet production-driven deadlines. 

• Basic understanding of inventory management and purchasing procedures. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional manufacturing teams. 

Working Conditions 

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction with production and warehouse areas 

• Standard business operating hours and schedule (8 hours; 5 days weekly) 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout manufacturing and warehouse areas 

• Occasional lifting of light materials or documents 

• Be able to bend, stand, pick up and reach arms above head 

• Be able to stand for at least 3 hours at a time 

• Be able to lift 15 lbs. regularly 

• Be able to lift 40 lbs. occasionally 

Salary : $46,000 - $56,000