Purchasing Assistant

Singer Equipment Company, Inc; Meridian (MS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Singer Equipment Company, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant in Meridian, MS to support the purchasing team with direct ship purchase orders, vendor communications, and day-to-day order management.

You will ensure accuracy, timely acknowledgments, and progress against delivery timelines. The role emphasizes strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills, with collaboration across internal teams and vendors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years of purchasing, procurement, order management, or related experience required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to consistently follow up on outstanding items and collaborate with vendors and internal teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to identify and escalate issues.

Responsibilities

• Create and process direct ship purchase orders, verifying pricing, quantities, item information, and ship-to details.
• Track vendor acknowledgments and confirm receipt, pricing, and expected ship dates.
• Maintain accurate purchase order information and update orders based on approved changes or vendor information.
• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up on outstanding, overdue, or incomplete orders.
• Follow up with vendors regarding order status, lead times, backorders, shipping updates, and tracking information.
• Communicate order changes, delays, or other concerns to Equipment Purchasing Specialists and appropriate internal teams.
• Assist in researching and resolving pricing, quantity, shipment, or other purchase order discrepancies.
• Escalate significant vendor or order issues to the appropriate Purchasing Specialist or manager.
• Support Equipment Purchasing Specialists with order entry, purchase order updates, documentation, and issue resolution.
• Maintain organized purchasing records and vendor documentation.
• Support Equipment Purchasing Specialists, the Director of Purchasing, and the VP of Supply Chain with departmental goals, projects, and reporting as assigned.
• Perform other purchasing and administrative duties as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Time management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Follow-up

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

OVERVIEW

The Purchasing Assistant supports the purchasing team by processing and tracking direct ship purchase orders and providing day-to-day support to Equipment Purchasing Specialists. This role helps ensure orders are accurate, acknowledged by vendors, and progressing according to expected delivery timelines. The position requires strong attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and communication with vendors and internal teams to identify and resolve order-related issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Create and process direct ship purchase orders, verifying pricing, quantities, item information, and ship-to details.
• Track vendor acknowledgments and confirm receipt, pricing, and expected ship dates.
• Maintain accurate purchase order information and update orders based on approved changes or vendor information.
• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up on outstanding, overdue, or incomplete orders.
• Follow up with vendors regarding order status, lead times, backorders, shipping updates, and tracking information.
• Communicate order changes, delays, or other concerns to Equipment Purchasing Specialists and appropriate internal teams.
• Assist in researching and resolving pricing, quantity, shipment, or other purchase order discrepancies.
• Escalate significant vendor or order issues to the appropriate Purchasing Specialist or manager.
• Support Equipment Purchasing Specialists with order entry, purchase order updates, documentation, and issue resolution.
• Maintain organized purchasing records and vendor documentation.
• Support Equipment Purchasing Specialists, the Director of Purchasing, and the VP of Supply Chain with departmental goals, projects, and reporting as assigned.
• Perform other purchasing and administrative duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One to two years of purchasing, procurement, order management, or related experience required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Windows-based systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to consistently follow up on outstanding items and work collaboratively with vendors and internal teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and appropriately escalat issues.

Core competencies:

• Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate purchase orders and carefully reviews order information for discrepancies.
• Organization & Follow-Through: Tracks open orders, maintains records, and follows through on outstanding items.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with vendors and internal partners.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with Purchasing Specialists and cross-functional teams to support timely order fulfillment.
• Problem Solving: Identifies order issues, gathers information, and assists with timely resolution or escalation.

Work environment & physical demands:

• Primarily office-based work utilizing computers, purchasing systems, email, and telephone communication.
• Standard business hours with occasional overtime as business needs require.