Purchasing Assistant

Contech Engineered Solutions; Olde West Chester (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Contech Engineered Solutions seeks a detail-oriented Assistant Buyer to join our Purchasing Department in West Chester, Ohio. You will provide administrative support, maintain purchasing records, and coordinate with vendors and plants to ensure timely procurement of materials.

The role requires an Associate's degree in logistics or related field and 6 months to 1 year of office or purchasing experience, with strong data entry and MS Office skills.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher in logistics or related field.
• Six months to one year of office, clerical, or purchasing experience.
• Attention to detail in reviewing purchasing documents.
• Basic knowledge of MS Office and business software.
• Ability to collect and enter data accurately; perform arithmetic calculations; use common units of measure.
• Willingness to learn purchasing practices and ethics.

Responsibilities

• Request written bids and quotes from approved vendors and record bid information.
• Respond to system triggers for material requests and communicate order status internally.
• Prepare and issue Purchase Orders for raw material.
• Monitor on-hand inventory at supplier/plant locations and report discrepancies.
• Assist with tracking vendor quality and delivery issues and support related documents.
• Support accounting and purchasing functions including invoices and proof of delivery documents.
• Communicate with vendors for product, pricing and delivery information.
• Maintain purchasing files and records with proper documentation.
• Follow departmental purchasing policies and escalate questions to a Buyer or Manager.
• Assist with ERP data integrity and new item entries in cooperation with Cost Accounting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Associate's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management or related field

Attention to detail

Data entry

Basic arithmetic, numerical reasoning

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

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 will 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 will 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 will 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 are 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 cooperation 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.