Purchasing Assistant

This administrative role is a hands-on position responsible for effectively assisting the purchasing manager  in the planning and purchasing of materials to timely support operations and product development. 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a purchasing capacity within a food/beverage/pharma  manufacturing environment preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field preferred.
• Advanced level knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite with high proficiency in Excel.
• Great Plains experience is a plus

Desired Qualifications

• Working knowledge of material planning and scheduling methods.
• Experience with project management & expediting and optimizing inventory levels.
• Knowledge of general accounting and finance principles.
• Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills.
• Ability to multi-task and adjust to rapidly changing priorities and short deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to compose reports and correspondence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively manage their own work load.

Responsibilities under the supervision of the Purchasing Manager

• Reviews buy action report to determine material requirements, then generates purchase orders, generates purchase orders based on MRP demand, historical usage and other pertinent factors.
• Considers freight efficiencies when creating purchase orders to determine the most cost-effective way of purchasing materials while considering the company’s maximum inventory days guideline.
• Evaluates and manages safety stock levels at each re-order point.
• Tracks and expedites purchase orders as needed and ensures materials are scheduled to arrive prior to production requirement.
• Communicates and resolves any materials shortages with appropriate functions.
• Produce the supplier forecast and other tools to ensure supplier success.
• Maintains accurate purchase costs in the company’s ERP system and identifies any price discrepancies.
• Coordinates the return of discrepant materials with vendors and ensures that credits are received.
• Partners closely with the Quality Assurance department for product specifications, quality inquiries, product recall and other quality related activities.
• Monitors purchase price and lead time variances for vendors and takes appropriate action to correct problems identified.
• Considers market conditions and commodity pricing trends as part of inventory level determination.
• Participates in regular meetings as required.
• Responsible for the efficient purchasing of inventory and supplies.
• Performs other duties as necessary or as requested.
• May assist with inventory control

Behavior Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, the individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Work Environment:              

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Office, laboratory, and manufacturing environment.
• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Ability to manage a fast-paced operation that can run 24/7 and that includes a dedicated group of quality minded professionals.
• Ability to travel and work at all Wright Group locations if required.
• Ability to work overtime if required