Purchasing Clerk

Fairbanks Scales; Meridian (MS); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the manufacturing sector is seeking a Purchasing Clerk to manage sourcing and procurement activities. This role is essential for ensuring timely delivery of materials while maintaining vendor relationships and optimizing costs. Candidates should have a high school diploma and strong communication skills, with a preference for those pursuing or holding an Associate's Degree in Business. The position offers a collaborative work environment focused on efficiency and quality.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase materials, parts, and services.
• Issue purchase orders and track deliveries.
• Communicate with vendors for follow-up on shipments.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's Degree in Business or related field (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Summary

The Purchasing Clerk is responsible for sourcing and procuring materials, parts, and services while maintaining vendor relationships to support production operations. This position plays a critical role in ensuring timely delivery of required items while optimizing costs and maintaining quality standards.

Essential Job Duties

• Source and purchase materials, parts, and services in accordance with company policies and specifications


• Issue purchase orders and track deliveries to ensure on-time arrival


• Communicate with vendors for follow-up on shipments, delivery changes, or delays


• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality


• Collaborate with production planning to align procurement with current and future production needs


• Maintain accurate records and documentation


• Identify and qualify new suppliers


• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers


• Evaluate vendor performance through scorecards and consistent reviews


• Ensure purchasing activities comply with internal controls and external regulatory requirements


• Maintain purchasing data in ERP/MRP system


• Work closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to ensure timely procurement of critical components


• Participate in cross-functional improvement initiatives related to supply chain and purchasing processes

Required Qualifications - Required qualifications to effectively perform the job. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. (Additional requirements may be designated by position.)

• High School Diploma or GED


• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Excel and Outlook


• Good written and verbal communication skills


• Attention to detail and willingness to learn


• Working toward or possesses an Associate's Degree or higher in Business or related field (preferred)


• Some exposure to purchasing, inventory, or administrative work (preferred)


• Familiarity with ERP systems or basic inventory principles (preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Strong organizational and time management abilities


• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with vendors and internal teams


• Basic math skills for cost calculations and price comparisons


• Analytical thinking for evaluating supplier options and terms


• Proficiency in data entry and basic record keeping


• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment


• Problem-solving skills to address supply chain challenges


• Basic understanding of procurement processes and inventory management


• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously


• Detail-oriented approach to ensure accuracy in documents and records


• Eagerness to grow professionally and learn new skills


• Positive attitude and solution-focused mindset

Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Primarily works in a climate-controlled office setting with standard lighting and ventilation


• Low to moderate noise level consistent with a professional office environment


• Generally, follows standard office hours with occasional overtime as needed


• May experience periodic interruptions from colleagues, phone calls, or electronic communications


• No travel requirement unless otherwise specified by departmental needs

Physical Abilities - Activities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Frequently remains in a seated position for extended periods


• Occasionally required to stand or walk within the office


• Rarely required to walk to the stock room or manufacturing facility, if so, PPE is required in posted areas:
  
  
  
  • Steel Toed Boots with metatarsal
  
  
  • Safety Glasses with side shields
  
  
  • Hearing Protection
  
  
  • Work Gloves
  
  
  
  


• Occasionally moves or lifts items up to 10 pounds


• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating office equipment


• Requires regular verbal communication in person or by phone


• Ability to hear verbal instructions, warning signals, and horns or beepers


• Must be able to access various areas of the office as needed


• Visual acuity sufficient to work with documents, spreadsheets, and computer screens

Fairbanks Scales Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/VetsDISCLOSURE REGARDING BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONFairbanks Scales Inc. may obtain information about you from a third-party consumer reporting agency for employment purposes. Thus, you may be the subject of a "consumer report" and/or "investigative consumer report" which may include information about your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and/or mode of living, and which can involve personal interviews with sources such as neighbors, friends, or associates, The reports may contain information regarding your credit history, criminal history, social security verification, motor vehicle records ("driving records"), verification of your education or employment history, or other background checks. Credit history will only be requested where such information is substantially related to the duties and responsibilities of the position for which you are applying.NOTIFICATION OF PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENINGFairbanks Scales Inc. performs post-offer, pre-employment drug testing for all roles prior to being hired into any role as part of our Drug Free Workplace Policy. In addition, Fairbanks Scales Inc. performs post-offer, pre-employment drug testing under the authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation prior to being hired for any role or transferred into a safety-sensitive role.