Purchasing Associate

Glen-Gery•Champaign, IL

23d

About The Position

Brickworks Supply is seeking a detail-oriented and organized Purchasing Associate to support our procurement operations. This role is responsible for processing purchase orders, coordinating shipments, verifying order accuracy, and providing purchasing support across sales, yard management, transportation, and customer service functions. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and enjoys collaborating with multiple departments to ensure smooth operations.

Requirements

Ability to analyze material sales and movement history
Ability to meet deadlines; strong organizational skills
Strong analytical skills
Excellent knowledge of various masonry materials
Strong computer skills – Word, Excel, etc
Proficient in ERP and procurement systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage relationships both internally and externally
Strong problem solving skills
A minimum of 3-5 years of material/transportation purchasing experience
High school diploma or equivalent

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications a plus
Knowledge of the building materials industry, including suppliers, manufacturing processes, and cost drivers a plus

Responsibilities

Procurement Operations Create and process purchase orders for stock/inventory, sales orders, and estimates/quotes
Review and verify supplier order acknowledgements for accuracy, including PO numbers, pricing, quantities, product details, and delivery addresses
Follow up on previously placed orders for ETAs and delivery updates at the request of location managers, sales, or customer service teams
Re-adjust POs and Sales Orders for correct locations as needed
Liaise closely with Category Buyers to align local purchasing activity with enterprise sourcing strategies, supplier agreements, and category management plans
Support the implementation of centralized procurement initiatives and communicate local needs, feedback, and supplier performance insights to the Strategic Procurement Team Invoice & Purchase Order Management Process and reconcile invoices against purchase orders and receiving documentation to ensure pricing, quantity, and terms accuracy
Manage open purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery, resolving discrepancies, and updating expected delivery dates
Collaborate with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice or payment issues promptly
Work with Strategic Buyers to ensure vendor compliance with corporate terms and assist in correcting discrepancies between local and corporate-level purchase data
Quoting & Pricing Support Provide special order quotes as requested by sales staff and yard managers
Collaborate with the Category Buyers and pricing team to create new JDE items for special orders and new products
Inventory Control & Reporting Review daily purchasing reports for accuracy and completeness
Monitor and review Reorder Point Reports to ensure replenishment needs are addressed at each yard
Monitor inventory levels across assigned location(s), identify shortages or overstock, and coordinate with managers to maintain optimal inventory balance
Assist with stock transfers or adjustments to align with operational needs
Communicate inventory trends and local demand forecasts to Category Buyers to support long-term sourcing and contracting strategies
Communication & Cross-Functional Support Field inquiries from customer service, sales staff, yard managers, and customers regarding product details (data sheets, applications, SDS sheets, etc.)
Support sales in resolving job issues with suppliers to ensure proper credits are issued
Collaborate regularly with Category Buyers and the Central Procurement Team to share supplier feedback, support sourcing initiatives, and ensure alignment between local purchasing activity and corporate strategy
Communicate with internal stakeholders to provide real-time updates on order status and stock availability
Shipping & Logistics Coordination (as required) Process shipping release forms and verify accuracy for sales orders and supplier details
Create delivery tickets for direct loads and coordinate load weights to ensure compliance and efficiency
Prepare and tender load sheets to trucking companies and suppliers
Maintain and update Truck Log throughout the day to reflect dispatch and delivery progress
Continuous Improvement & Other Duties Recommend process improvements to enhance purchasing efficiency, supplier performance, and cost control
Maintain accurate procurement and logistics documentation in company systems
Support rollouts of new procurement tools, supplier portals, and compliance initiatives
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support procurement, logistics, and operations functions.