Purchasing/Buyer Assistant

Aston Carter•Ashburn, VA

10d•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Purchasing/Buyer Assistant supports the purchasing function by acquiring materials, equipment, and supplies needed to keep production schedules running efficiently and on time. This role collaborates closely with Production and Engineering teams, evaluates and negotiates supplier quotations, and helps manage supplier relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and timely delivery of products and services. The position also assists with preparing and reviewing contracts, bids, proposals, and supplier agreements, and is responsible for issuing and reviewing purchase orders in accordance with company policies and standards.

Requirements

1 to 2 years of purchasing experience, including administrative support in a purchasing environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tracking, analyzing, and reporting purchasing data.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for documentation, communication, and record keeping.
Strong phone communication skills to interact effectively with suppliers and internal departments.
Ability to apply basic negotiation and purchasing techniques when evaluating supplier quotations.
Attention to detail when preparing and reviewing purchase orders, contracts, bids, proposals, and supplier agreements.
Ability to work collaboratively with Production and Engineering departments to meet material and scheduling requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience reviewing contracts and purchase order claims for compliance with company policies.
Familiarity with ethical purchasing practices and cost-effective supplier selection.
Ability to prioritize and expedite materials to meet changing production needs.
Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate purchasing and supplier records.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

Purchase materials, equipment, and supplies to ensure production schedules are met efficiently and on time.
Work closely with Production and Engineering departments to expedite materials as needed to meet their requirements.
Evaluate supplier quotations using appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure optimal quality, price, delivery, and service.
Research, select, and maintain suppliers that provide high-quality products and services at competitive prices while adhering to ethical standards for cost-effective operation.
Assist with preparing and reviewing contracts, bids, proposals, and supplier agreements to confirm legal correctness, pricing accuracy, and acceptable item specifications.
Prepare and issue purchase orders and review requisitions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Review purchase order claims and contracts to confirm conformance with company policies and procedures.
Communicate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders by phone and email to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and follow up on orders.
Maintain organized records of purchasing activities, supplier information, and contract documentation using Microsoft Office tools.