Purchasing Assistant

Contech Engineered Solutions • West Chester, OH

5d

About The Position

Contech Engineered Solutions is seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Purchasing Assistant to provide administrative and clerical support to the Purchasing Department in West Chester, Ohio. The role works closely with Buyers and the Department Manager to maintain accurate purchasing records and data, and to support plants and vendors with routine requests, information, and coordination. The posting specifies local candidates only.

The Purchasing Assistant supports purchasing activities by requesting vendor bids and quotes, processing material requests and system triggers, preparing purchase orders within established guidelines, monitoring inventory, and coordinating order status and delivery expectations. The position also assists with vendor issue documentation, accounting and purchasing tasks, ERP and database data integrity, and item setup. Questions involving specifications, regulations, vendor concerns, and emergency purchases are referred to a Buyer or the Manager as appropriate.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• At least six months to one year of office, clerical, or purchasing experience.
• Attention to detail when reviewing purchasing documents such as invoices, purchase orders, and requisitions for conformance with policies and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of office procedures and general business computer applications, including spreadsheet, database, and word-processing software.
• Willingness to learn purchasing practices, including ethics, standards, bid preparation, and competitive bidding procedures.
• Ability to collect and enter data accurately.
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations, use common units of measure, and calculate discounts and shipping charges.
• Ability to prepare basic written reports.
• Ability to recognize responsibility and the limits of assigned authority.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with vendors, management personnel, and co-workers.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• Familiarity with J.D. Edwards or another ERP system.

Responsibilities

• Request written bids and telephone quotes from approved vendors as directed, and record vendor pricing, payment terms, and delivery information.
• Respond to and process system triggers for material and plant requests for material or information; escalate issues to a Buyer as needed.
• Communicate order status and delivery expectations to internal customers while coordinating with Contech Logistics.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders for raw material within established guidelines and as directed by a Buyer.
• Monitor on-hand inventory at supplier, subcontractor, and plant locations; report discrepancies and assist with physical inventory.
• Assist with tracking vendor quality and delivery issues and prepare supporting documentation for claims as directed.
• Support accounting and purchasing functions, including receiving products, virtually transferring inventory, reviewing invoices, and obtaining proof-of-delivery documents from vendors.
• Communicate with vendors to obtain product, pricing, and delivery information; refer vendor concerns and emergency purchase needs to a Buyer or the Manager.
• Maintain accurate purchasing files and records using proper record-keeping methods and procedures.
• Follow departmental purchasing policies and procedures; refer questions about specifications, including AASHTO and ASTM requirements, and other regulations to a Buyer or the Manager.
• Assist with monitoring data integrity in the ERP system, incoming EDI data, and Access databases; identify errors and assist with resolution.
• Assist with entering new items and new item/plant combinations into the ERP system in coordination with Cost Accounting, ensuring accurate descriptions are loaded.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Team-oriented environment emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and shared success.
• Opportunities to work alongside talented professionals and contribute to meaningful work.
• Support for employees’ professional goals and work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree