Purchasing Assistant

Review the Material Requirement Planning Report daily and place appropriate orders for raw materials, ingredients, labels, and standard packaging
Prepare weekly and update daily supply requirements for high-volume packaging
Enter, file, and follow up on purchase orders, including delivery status, pricing, and expediting
Communicate purchasing issues affecting production to the Purchasing Manager, Production, and Oil Schedulers
Set required parameters in JDE for assigned items or supply categories
Initiate purchase orders and amendments for parts, services, and special tools
Arrange submission and inspection of sample products
Coordinate with requesting personnel and departments to ensure timely execution of products and services
Acquire and forward Material Safety Data Sheets to the Safety/Environmental Coordinator
Work with EAM team members to establish optimal inventory levels for parts and materials
Secure and analyze quotations, negotiate supplier pricing and terms, and recommend or disqualify suppliers
Evaluate current suppliers and conduct regular supplier reviews
Identify, locate, research, and provide alternatives or substitutions for equipment and facility needs
Expedite critical parts, mechanisms, entities, or equipment to maintain facility and production schedules
Archive purchasing files and maintain current and previous years' transactions for rapid access
Follow food safety policies, procedures, and regulatory criteria, including SQF, GMPs, and FSMA preventive controls
Perform other duties as assigned

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years of experience in purchasing in a manufacturing environment
• Proficient knowledge of JD Edwards, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) and AS400
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in math and 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
• Travel may be required
• Ability to perform required physical tasks, including intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may be required
• Willingness and ability to wear personal protective equipment as required
• Willingness and ability to work typical 8-12 hour shifts, including possible unscheduled after-hours and weekend work
• Ability to work in environments involving adverse temperatures, vibrations, chemicals, fumes, food allergens, confined or dark spaces, and heights exceeding 18 feet

Demonstrates expertise in purchasing processes, material planning, and supply chain management within a manufacturing environment. Proficient in JD Edwards and Microsoft Office, with strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively across departments.