Assistant Buyer

Contech Engineered Solutions; Olde West Chester (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Contech Engineered Solutions is seeking an Assistant Buyer in West Chester, Ohio to support the Purchasing Department with clerical tasks and data integrity in ERP systems. You will help manage vendor interactions, process orders, and assist with inventory and records maintenance.

The role emphasizes accuracy, teamwork with Buyers and the Department Manager, and adherence to purchasing policies while supporting plants and vendors with routine requests and information.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in logistics or related field.
• 6–12 months of office, clerical or purchasing experience.
• Attention to detail in reviewing purchasing documents.
• Basic knowledge of office procedures and common software apps.
• Ability to collect and enter data accurately; perform arithmetic checks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Request bids and quotes from vendors and record bid information.
• Respond to system triggers for material requests and communicate order status.
• Prepare and issue Purchase Orders for raw material as directed.
• Monitor on-hand inventory and report discrepancies.
• Track vendor quality and delivery issues and prepare supporting documentation.
• Support accounting and purchasing functions, including receiving products and reviewing invoices.
• Communicate with vendors for product and delivery information; escalate as needed.
• Maintain purchasing files and follow policies and procedures.
• Assist with ERP data integrity, including entering new items and item/plant combos.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry

Microsoft Office

Office procedures

Vendor communication

Education

Associate's degree in Logistics or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

JD Edwards ERP

Job description

The Position

Contech Engineered Solutions seeks a detail-oriented and dependable Assistant Buyer to join our team in West Chester, Ohio -LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY. In this role, you'll provide essential administrative and clerical support to the Purchasing Department, helping keep day-to-day purchasing activities running smoothly. Working closely with Buyers and the Department Manager, you'll maintain accurate purchasing records and data while supporting our plants and vendors with routine requests, information, and coordination.

Why Should You Apply?

At Contech Engineered Solutions, you'll be part of a team-oriented environment where collaboration, innovation, and shared success are a priority. As an industry leader in world-class design, manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution, we provide opportunities to work alongside talented professionals and contribute to meaningful work. We're also committed to helping our employees achieve their professional goals while maintaining a healthy balance between work and life.

About the Role

• Request written bids and telephone quotes from approved vendors as directed, and record bid information including vendor price, payment terms, and delivery.
• Respond to and process system triggers for material and requests from plants for material or information; Escalate issues to a Buyer as needed and 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 of stock at supplier, subcontractor and plant locations and 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 on 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.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Associate's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of six months to one year of office, clerical, or purchasing experience.
• Attention to detail in reviewing purchasing documents such as invoices, purchase orders, and requisitions to ensure conformance with policies and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of office procedures and general computer applications used in business, such as 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; perform arithmetic calculations; use common units of measure; calculate discounts and shipping charges; prepare basic written reports; recognize responsibility and limits of assigned authority; maintain effective working relationships with vendors, management personnel, and co‑workers.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred:

• 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.