Purchasing Assistant

MRA-The Management Association; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and Roth

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health insurance benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

UPC, a Madison-based manufacturer of retail store fixtures, is seeking a Purchasing Assistant. You will manage purchasing of materials, coordinate with vendors, and support production schedules to ensure on-time materials availability.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years in purchasing, familiarity with ERP/MRP, and strong organizational skills. The role involves a standard office environment with occasional exposure to manufacturing and warehouse settings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Purchase materials, supplies, equipment, and services to support company operations.
• Source vendors, obtain quotes, and maintain supplier relationships.
• Coordinate deliveries, inventory, and logistics to ensure materials are available when needed.
• Maintain purchasing records, process invoices, and resolve purchasing or vendor issues.
• Work with internal teams to support projects and production schedules.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and monitor market trends.
• Perform other purchasing and administrative duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound decision-making.

Skills

Vendor management

Purchase orders

Freight coordination

Inventory management

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Decision making

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Business or Supply Chain

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP/MRP software

Accounting software

Job description

UPC

Purchasing Assistant

Madison, WI

About UPC

UPC has been designing and manufacturing retail store fixtures and point-of-purchase displays in Madison, Wisconsin, for almost 50 years, since 1978. Started as a family business, we have grown and have established ourselves worldwide. We are employee centric and are looking for strong candidates and long-term commitments. Our employee's tenure says it all!

Position Summary

• Purchase materials, supplies, equipment, and services to support company operations.
• Source vendors, obtain quotes, and maintain supplier relationships.
• Coordinate deliveries, inventory, and logistics to ensure materials are available when needed.
• Maintain purchasing records, process invoices, and resolve purchasing or vendor issues.
• Work with internal teams to support projects and production schedules.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and monitor market trends.
• Perform other purchasing and administrative duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound decision-making.

Facility & Work Environment

• Standard Office Environment
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing, production, and warehouse environments. The position requires periodic communication and collaboration with production team members.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• One to three years of purchasing, procurement, inventory control, administrative, or related experience required.
• Manufacturing or industrial purchasing experience is a plus.
• Experience working with vendors, purchase orders, freight coordination, and inventory management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Word) and experience using ERP, MRP, or accounting software.

Benefits

• 401(k) and Roth
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health insurance benefits
• Paid holidays
• And more

Universal Presentation Concepts (UPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.