Job Description
Job Description
Job Summary
The Purchasing Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of the Purchasing Department by entering purchase orders and pricing data into the system, coordinating shipment timelines, and preparing necessary freight and treatment documentation. This role ensures timely follow-up with vendors, assists with freight research, and provides cross-functional support across all purchasing activities.
Major Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing, issuing, and tracking purchase orders (PO’s) for raw materials, packaging, and other supplies.
- Maintain accurate records of open orders and delivery schedules to ensure timely fulfillment.
- Communicate with vendors regarding order status, lead times, pricing, and delivery expectations.
- Support efforts in sourcing and qualifying new suppliers to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.
- Coordinate with the inventory and production teams to monitor stock levels and anticipate purchasing needs.
- Maintain accurate procurement-related records in the ERP inventory management system.
- Track purchase order discrepancies and assist in resolving issues such as late deliveries or invoice variances.
- Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, food safety, and supplier certification requirements.
- Assist in maintaining documentation for audits and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare reports on purchasing activities, vendor performance, and cost trends.
- Assist in compiling data for spend analyses and vendor scorecards.
- Work closely with the Purchasing Manager, Forecasting, Production, Quality Assurance, and Logistics teams to align procurement needs with operational priorities.
- Provide administrative support to the purchasing department, including maintaining files, preparing correspondence, and coordinating meetings.
- Perform additional procurement-related tasks as assigned to support C
- Conforms to Food Safety Culture
- Compliance with company policies and procedures for the Food Defense Program and the GMP and Glass programs
Knowledge, Skills and Education Preferred
- High school graduate or some college preferred
- 1–3 years preferred in a purchasing assistant, purchasing coordinator, or procurement clerk role
- Familiarity with issuing POs, vendor communication, and price quote tracking
- Experience communicating with vendors to confirm lead times, pricing, and shipping updates
- Experience researching or comparing freight quotes is a plus
- Strong organizational skills and experience juggling multiple priorities