Job Description
Job Description
Purpose:
The Assistant Buyer supports the sourcing and procurement function for Custom Procedure Packs (CPP) in the North America operation. This role focuses on the day-to-day purchasing of components and materials, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance within the supply chain. The Assistant Buyer will work in close coordination with the Sourcing & Procurement Lead and cross-functional partners to maintain vendor communications, track orders, monitor material availability, and assist in onboarding new suppliers and components. This position is ideal for someone with a strong attention to detail, interest in healthcare operations, and a desire to grow into strategic procurement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Procurement Operations
- Create, issue, revise, and track purchase orders in ERP system based on approved demand forecasts and planning schedules.
- Ensure timely receipt of supplier order confirmations and verify pricing, minimum order quantity (MOQ), and lead time data against internal records.
- Act as a liaison with suppliers for order updates, urgent requests, backorders, and delivery discrepancies.
- Collaborate with Finance and Receiving to resolve purchase order or invoice issues related to quantity, price, or receipt timing.
Order Management & Inventory Support
- Assist in monitoring component inventory levels and open order reports to proactively flag material shortages or risk of delay.
- Support the lead Buyer in expediting and follow-up of critical items, especially those tagged as high-risk or long lead time.
- Update and maintain accurate order status in shared tracking tools and ERP dashboards.
Data Entry & Purchasing Maintenance
- Maintain clean master data for components in ERP system including lead time, pricing, and MOQ.
- Perform cost updates and assist in tracking component cost changes.
- Prepare procurement reports and metrics on order volume, vendor delivery performance, and cost history as directed.
- Support document control and file maintenance related to vendor setup, supplier correspondence, and compliance.
Vendor Communication & Sourcing Support
- Communicate directly with domestic and international suppliers regarding open orders, shipping timelines, and documentation requirements.
- Assist with supplier onboarding including gathering vendor setup forms, tax documents, component specs, and lead time/pricing confirmation.
- Work closely with the Sourcing & Procurement Lead to support evaluation of substitute components and onboarding of new vendors.
Education & Qualifications
- Associate’s degree required.
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field preferred.
- 1–2 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or operations support (internships or co-op programs acceptable).
- Strong organization and attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple open orders and vendor timelines.
- Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, vlookups) and working knowledge of ERP systems (Netsuite, Fishbowl a plus).
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across functions (Planning, Quality, Engineering).
- Proactive and self-directed with a willingness to learn sourcing and cost management principles.
Physical Demands
- Long periods of sitting are required.
- Minimal lifting required.
- Use of fingers, hands, or feel objects.
- Reach with hands and arms.
- Climbing stairs.
- Stand, sit, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
- Close vision and depth perception.