Purchasing Clerk

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Purchasing/Procurement Clerk

Job Summary:

The Procurement/Purchasing Clerk is responsible for sourcing and purchasing raw materials and non-raw materials, ensuring a balance of quality and cost efficiency for overall operations. This role involves coordinating the scheduling and delivery of materials to ensure uninterrupted production, managing raw material master data, and achieving the best overall value for expenditures. In the absence of the Procurement Specialist, the VP of Operations will assume these responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

• Education: Minimum high school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in supply planning, procurement, or a related field preferably in manufacturing.

Key Requirements:

• Strong negotiation skills with a proven ability to work with vendors to reduce costs and improve value.
• Proficiency in computer systems including inventory management, purchasing systems, ERP software, and Excel.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Math skills and analytical abilities.
• Knowledge of supply chain processes, production operations, and inventory management.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or technical environment preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with peers and internal customers to solve problems constructively.
• Physical ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 25 pounds.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a commitment to delivering results.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage procurement activities based on customer demand and forecasts.
• Monitor and control raw material and component inventory levels.
• Ensure timely stock replenishments to meet forecasted demand.
• Collaborate with internal departments to meet customer delivery schedules.
• Source and procure materials, parts, and services in a timely manner.
• Coordinate the return of damaged or incorrectly shipped materials with vendors.
• Negotiate creatively and ethically with suppliers to secure optimal value.
• Support production and maintenance teams by ensuring material availability.
• Maintain and update raw material and parts master data.
• Keep accurate purchasing records and expedite late orders with suppliers.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term supplier relationships.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies by coordinating with vendors and internal teams.
• Identify and support productivity initiatives to optimize costs and quality.
• Streamline purchasing procedures and ensure compliance with organizational policies.
• Prepare and solicit bids or quotations as needed.