We are hiring a detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant to support daily procurement operations in a fast-moving, manufacturing-driven environment. This is a remote, execution-focused role working directly with senior operations leadership to ensure materials and services are purchased accurately, competitively, and on time.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on precision, follow-through, and accountabilitysomeone who treats purchase orders as commitments, not paperwork.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Purchase Order Management
- Enter and manage purchase orders for component parts, outside processing services, and finished goods
- Verify all purchase orders for correct pricing, specifications, and delivery dates before release
- Maintain detailed ERP notes on all outside processing purchase orders
- Communicate purchase order changes, rejections, and delivery updates to internal stakeholders
Vendor Coordination & Compliance
- Maintain professional, consistent communication with vendors via email and phone
- Track vendor adherence to pricing, delivery timelines, and terms
- Request and compare multiple quotes for new or revised purchase requests
- Escalate vendor performance issues and non-compliance promptly
- Coordinate replacement of rejected materials and follow up on rejection reports
Cost Control & Accuracy
- Support cost reduction efforts without compromising quality or delivery
- Flag and escalate cost increases before issuing purchase orders
- Identify and eliminate unnecessary charges such as lot or handling fees
- Use historical pricing responsibly while identifying outdated or invalid costs
Follow-Up & Communication Discipline
- Run weekly late PO follow-ups every Friday using system reports
- Send proactive follow-up emails for overdue deliveries
- Use task lists and calendar reminders to track open items
- Keep ERP data current with delivery changes and material rejections
- Keep production, planning, and operations informed of procurement status
Process Improvement & Learning
- Build working knowledge of materials such as tubing, sheet metal, flat bar, fasteners, and outside processing
- Maintain detailed notes to strengthen vendor and material expertise
- Participate in root-cause problem solving to prevent repeat issues
- Support just-in-time and EOQ inventory practices
Required Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Experience using ERP or purchasing systems (SAGE or similar preferred)
- Working knowledge of Excel and Outlook
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with consistent accuracy
- Analytical mindset for cost comparison and vendor evaluation
Preferred Qualifications
- 12 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain support
- Familiarity with manufacturing materials and outside processing
- Experience working with vendors on pricing, delivery, and issue resolution
- Basic understanding of inventory management principles (JIT, EOQ)
Core Competencies We Value
- Ownership: Sees purchase orders through to receipt and resolution
- Accuracy: Treats errors as preventable, not acceptable
- Communication: Escalates early and clearly when issues arise
- Problem-Solving: Fixes root causes, not symptoms
- Collaboration: Works smoothly with production, planning, and leadership
Role Details
- Location: Remote
- Schedule: Full-time
- Compensation: Up to $7/hour, based on experience
