Purchasing Assistant

Job Summary

Purchasing Assistant / Junior Buyer. Supports day‑to‑day procurement in electronic manufacturing. Works with procurement, planning, and production teams to manage purchase orders, support MRP execution, maintain supplier relationships, and optimize cost and inventory.

• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders in the ERP system in line with approved requisitions and MRP signals.
• Monitor supplier confirmations, shipment dates, and delivery schedules, following up to ensure on‑time delivery.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data including pricing, lead times, and material master information.
• Support sourcing of low‑to‑medium‑value components, consumables, and indirect materials.
• Assist cost‑reduction initiatives by collecting pricing data, analyzing supplier quotes, and preparing comparison reports.
• Review MRP messages and exceptions, taking action to expedite, reschedule, or cancel orders as required.
• Partner with production planners to resolve material shortages, delays, and unexpected demand.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts, overstock, and obsolescence—particularly for electronic components.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding delivery performance, pricing issues, quality concerns, and documentation.
• Support resolution of invoice discrepancies and goods receipt issues.
• Assist with supplier onboarding activities, documentation collection, and basic performance tracking.
• Generate purchasing and materials reports (open POs, shortages, price variances) for internal stakeholders.
• Maintain procurement documentation including certificates of conformity, RoHS/REACH declarations, and material specifications.
• Support audits related to procurement processes, supplier evaluation, and material traceability.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, sourcing guidelines, and manufacturing standards.

• 2–5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or materials roles within a manufacturing or production environment (relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications).
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and purchasing processes.
• Experience supporting material planning, purchase order management, and supplier communication.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

• Experience in electronic manufacturing environments or with electronic component suppliers (e.g., semiconductors, PCB assemblies, passives).
• Experience working with mechanical component suppliers (e.g., machine shops, metal fabricators, plating suppliers).
• Understanding of supply chain concepts such as lead times, MOQs, safety stock, and demand planning.
• Basic negotiation experience related to pricing and delivery terms.
• Exposure to ISO‑certified manufacturing environments.
• CIPS Level 2–3, APICS CPIM fundamentals, or ERP/MM training certifications.

• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods (minimum 2 hours).
• Ability to move throughout office, warehouse, and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and perform repetitive motions.
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and changing workloads safely.
• Ability to respond to visual and auditory cues.
• Compliance with all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies, training, and requirements.
• Willingness to work in manufacturing environments where noise levels may be elevated and PPE is required.

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