Purchasing Assistant

Position Summary:

Compile information and records in order to enter purchase orders for labels, ingredients and packaging components for production. Also initiates purchase orders and amendments for parts, services and/or special tools. This role will typically interface with vendors and other internal company departments to ensure materials are ordered, received and available per dates and quantities specified on purchase orders. Consult suppliers to determine best pricing and other specifications.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews Material Requirement Planning Report daily in order to place appropriate orders for raw materials, ingredients, labels and standard packaging needed for production. Prepares weekly and updates daily supply requirements for high volume packaging. Enters purchase orders, orders necessary items and files them accordingly. Follow up daily on purchase orders, i.e., delivery status, pricing, expediting. Communicates any purchasing issues that may affect production to Purchasing Manager, Production and Oil Schedulers. Ensure all required parameters are set in JDE for assigned items or supply categories   
• Initiates purchase orders and amendments for parts, services and/or special tools; arranges for submission and inspection of sample products as required; close coordination with requesting personnel and/or departments to assure timely execution of product and services. Acquires and forwards Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on new or resubmitted MSDS to Safety/Environmental Coordinator
• Familiar with current computer software systems such as JDE, AS400 and Microsoft Office programs to achieve job requirements, including but not limited to pricing updates, vendor information, cross reference information and other miscellaneous information
• Trained to work closely with internal EAM team members to set and achieve optimal inventory levels of all inventoried and/or consumable parts and materials associated with work orders, maintenance materials requisition forms and POG (Purchase Order Generator) reports
• Assists in securing and analyzing quotations, negotiates pricing and terms with suppliers and recommends/disqualifies suppliers with respect to cost versus savings, quality, practicality, service levels, etc. Evaluate current suppliers and review with supplier on a regular basis
• Works closely with Maintenance Manager, EAM Scheduler and other plant personnel to identify, locate and research to provide alternatives or substitutions for various equipment and entities necessary for facility, production and processing equipment/systems
• Works closely with Purchasing Agent during challenging time constraints to expedite critical parts, mechanisms, entities or equipment to maintain facility and production schedules, possibly under emergency situations. Assists Purchasing Agent in archiving of files for future references by year, maintaining current and previous years transactions for rapid access
• Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
• Other duties as assigned
• Travel may be required

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent experience; Associate’s Degree in Purchasing, Business Management preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in purchasing in a manufacturing environment

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficient knowledge of computer software including JD Edwards, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) and AS400
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in math and possess good analytical skills
• Strong systems perspective of business operations and information based decision making
• Knowledge of material planning procedures, requisitions, purchase orders and planning terminology; general supply chain knowledge including planning and inventory management
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified Production Inventory Management (CPIM) certification preferred