Purchasing Assistant

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for purchasing maintenance parts, production supplies, raw materials, tools, equipment, and other materials needed to support plant operations. This position manages storeroom inventory, receiving, purchase orders, invoice processing, and inventory accuracy to help prevent material shortages and minimize unnecessary spending.

The Purchasing Agent works closely with Maintenance, Production, plant leadership, and the Corporate Purchasing and Accounting teams at Cherokee Brick & Tile Company's corporate location in Macon, Georgia. Although the position includes administrative duties, the office is located within the plant storeroom, and the role requires regular movement throughout inventory storage areas and the plant.

The successful candidate must develop a working knowledge of plant equipment, machinery, manufacturing processes, and maintenance operations to make informed purchasing decisions, identify appropriate replacement parts, and maintain accurate inventory records. Inventory accuracy must be maintained throughout the year through regular cycle counts, audits, and reconciliation in preparation for the annual physical inventory each September.

• Purchase maintenance parts, production supplies, raw materials, tools, equipment, and other materials required for plant operations.
• Obtain and compare vendor pricing, quotes, availability, quality, and delivery schedules.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Create and process purchase orders using the AS400 system.
• Receive, inspect, verify, and document incoming shipments.
• Organize, label, secure, and maintain inventory in the storeroom and other designated storage locations.
• Issue inventory to employees and accurately record transactions, including the appropriate department, equipment, project, or general ledger account.
• Monitor inventory levels and reorder materials before shortages affect production or maintenance.
• Conduct weekly raw material inventory counts, track usage, and communicate inventory levels and delivery needs to plant management.
• Perform routine cycle counts, inventory audits, and reconciliations throughout the year.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies and maintain accurate records in preparation for the annual physical inventory each September.
• Develop a working knowledge of plant equipment, machinery, manufacturing processes, and maintenance operations.
• Research replacement parts, verify compatibility, identify acceptable alternatives, and coordinate with Maintenance regarding critical spare parts and future needs.
• Review vendor invoices against purchase orders and receiving documentation for accuracy.
• Code invoices, assign purchases to the appropriate general ledger accounts and cost centers, and enter invoices into AS400 accurately and timely.
• Work with Corporate Accounting to resolve invoice discrepancies, pricing issues, receiving concerns, vendor questions, and coding issues.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, receiving, inventory, and accounting documentation.
• Monitor inventory costs and identify opportunities to improve inventory control, reduce waste, and control expenses.
• Communicate purchasing delays, inventory shortages, and critical material concerns to supervisors and plant management.
• Coordinate with the Corporate Purchasing and Accounting teams to maintain consistent purchasing, inventory, receiving, and accounting practices.
• Serve as the primary purchasing and inventory contact for the Jackson plant.
• Travel to the corporate location in Macon, Georgia, as needed for training, collaboration, inventory support, system updates, and special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support plant operations.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the storeroom, office, and plant inventory storage areas.
• Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, twisting, and climbing stairs.
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally with assistance when necessary.
• Frequent pushing, pulling, and handling of inventory, parts, tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle inventory and operate computers, barcode scanners, and office equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect inventory, equipment, labels, and materials for accuracy.
• Ability to operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment after completing…