Purchasing Assistant

The Purchasing Assistant is responsible for maintaining targeted levels of plant operating supplies that meet production, cost, and quality needs as established. Conducts preliminary vendor research and evaluations, making recommendations to management for final selection. This position will train to provide back up support for the Purchasing Supervisor.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position is an individual contributor role with no direct reports or supervisory responsibilities.

• Procure supplies and materials to ensure timely delivery in quantities that meet established cost, quality, production, and inventory requirements.

• Collaborate with Facility Operations, Quality, and other plant departments to maintain appropriate purchasing practices and inventory levels across operational areas.

• Coordinate purchasing activities for a variety of production and operational supplies, including boxes, film, tape, glue, liners, casings, labels, and spices.

• Conduct daily, weekly, and biweekly inventory counts to maintain adequate supply levels and support production requirements.

• Respond to changes in production schedules and operational needs by adjusting purchasing quantities and inventory levels as necessary.

• Enter, maintain, balance, and reconcile purchasing, receiving, and inventory transactions in SAP S/4. Generate routine and ad hoc purchasing reports.

• Investigate and resolve shipping and billing discrepancies related to pricing, quantities, product condition, material type, or specifications. Collaborate with internal departments and vendors to obtain appropriate credits, replacements, or shipment corrections.

• Review and process vendor invoices and approve payments through BASWARE in accordance with established procedures.

• Prepare and distribute weekly Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) spending reports to upper management.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support plant operations.

Safety Responsibilities

• Understand, follow, and consistently apply applicable safety policies, procedures, regulations, standards, and laws.

• Demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety through participation in required training, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to established safety practices.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, & EDUCATION

Required Qualifications

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively to challenging or stressful situations.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a related field.
• Previous food production experience and knowledge of departmental production processes and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
• Experience using SAP or a comparable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.