Purchasing/Planner Assistant

Ira Green•Providence, RI

20h

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing / Planning Assistant to support our supply chain and operations teams. This role supports and plays an active part in purchasing and production planning processes. The ideal candidate will contribute to material availability, vendor coordination, and inventory management while exercising sound judgment and ownership over assigned responsibilities.

Requirements

2–5 years of experience in purchasing, planning, or supply chain support in a manufacturing environment
Strong understanding of supply chain concepts (inventory management, lead times, demand planning)
Ability to analyze data and make informed, routine decisions
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Effective communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Familiarity with inventory management and production scheduling

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience

Responsibilities

Assist in creating, reviewing, and managing purchase orders in alignment with demand and production schedules
Monitor material requirements, inventory levels, and demand signals to support planning activities
Review and update system data for accuracy, including item costs and lead times
Track open orders and ensure timely delivery of materials to meet production needs
Expedite or adjust orders within established guidelines to prevent shortages or delays
Take ownership of assigned vendors, materials, or reporting processes
Identify potential supply risks (e.g., shortages, late deliveries, excess inventory) and take proactive action
Resolve routine purchasing and planning issues independently, escalating when necessary
Support continuous improvement initiatives within supply chain processes
Communicate directly with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery issues
Coordinate with production, inventory, and operations teams to align material flow with business needs
Follow up on supplier performance, including delivery reliability and responsiveness
Maintain and analyze data within company systems and Excel to support decision-making
Generate and interpret reports related to inventory, purchasing, and demand planning
Identify trends and provide recommendations to improve efficiency and cost control