Purchasing Specialist

About the role

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for sourcing and purchasing materials, products, equipment, and services needed to support company operations. This position works closely with suppliers, internal departments, and management to ensure purchases are made at the right quality, cost, and time while maintaining accurate purchasing records. This will be a role where you will manage inventory but also help out in the warehouse during any down time. It will not be a position solely doing purchasing/computer work in the warehouse.

Key Responsibilities

• Review purchase requests and determine purchasing requirements.
• Source and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, availability, and service.
• Request and compare supplier quotations.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and other purchasing conditions.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders.
• Monitor orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, pricing, supplier, and inventory records.
• Resolve discrepancies involving invoices, purchase orders, shipments, pricing, and product quality.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers.
• Identify cost-saving and process-improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate with receiving, inventory, accounting, production, and other departments.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with purchasing forecasts and planning.
• Ensure purchases comply with company policies and approved supplier requirements.
• Research new suppliers and alternative products when appropriate.
• Prepare purchasing reports and provide information regarding costs, orders, and supplier performance.
• Assist with contract, bid, and vendor-management activities as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, purchasing, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or related experience preferred.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with ERP, purchasing, or inventory-management systems preferred.
• Ability to analyze pricing, quotes, and purchasing data.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Preferred Skills

• Vendor and supplier management
• Purchase order management
• Cost analysis and negotiation
• Inventory management
• Contract and quote review
• Data entry and recordkeeping
• Microsoft Excel
• ERP/procurement software
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Physical/Work Requirements

• Primarily office-based, with occasional interaction with warehouse, receiving, production, or supplier locations as applicable.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• May occasionally require extended hours to address urgent purchasing or supply issues.