Purchasing Intern - Summer 2027

Guardian Protection Products; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Carboline, a St. Louis-based coatings manufacturer, offers a 12-week Purchasing Intern program this Summer 2027. You will assist in supplier partnerships, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to drive smarter purchasing decisions.

The role emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship from experienced leaders, and exposure to a global organization with opportunities for growth within RPM International.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Availability to work 30-40 hours per week May–August.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Support supplier partnerships and sourcing initiatives.
• Assist in data gathering, reporting, and forecasting.
• Analyze invoice discrepancies and inventory challenges.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to shape forecasts.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Proactive attitude

Willingness to learn

Education

Pursuing degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION Summer 2027 Internship Opportunity!Title: Purchasing InternLocation: St. Louis, MissouriSummary:Are you ready to kickstart your career with a company that's making a global impact? Carboline is looking for motivated, curious, and driven students to join our team for an unforgettable summer internship experience! This immersive 12-week program (Anticipated: May 17, 2027 - August 6, 2027), offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience, build lasting connections, and make a meaningful impact-all before heading back to campus. As a Purchasing Intern at Carboline,you will step into the heart of supply chain operations with a fast-paced and collaborative environment where you'll support supplier partnerships, help source innovative products, resolve real-world challenges, and drive smarter decisions through data and reporting. Make an impact while gaining valuable experience in a high-energy, collaborative environment.

What You'll Gain:

• Meaningful, hands-on experience working on impactful projects that contribute to Carboline's success.
• Exposure to cross-functional collaboration and insight into how a global organization operates.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship from experienced leaders.
• A chance to enhance your skills and apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
• Participation in team-building activities and a workplace culture that values innovation, integrity, and growth.

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Available to work 30-40 hours per week from May through August.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily office-based with extended computer use (up to 8 hours/day).
• Students must have housing arrangements in or near St. Louis, MO for the summer, as housing allowance is not provided.
• No unusual lifting, environmental, or exertion requirements.

Essential Functions:

• Build foundational knowledge of the paint and coatings industry through hands-on experience.
• Drive accuracy by updating and maintaining critical purchasing data.
• Communicate directly with suppliers to gather essential business information.
• Analyze and problem-solve invoice discrepancies and inventory challenges.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to shape forecasts.
• Support sourcing initiatives that contribute to cost savings and operational efficiency.
• Assist in active product development projects and strategic purchasing efforts.
• Champion safety and quality by adhering to company standards and protocols.

Who We Are:

• Carboline is a St. Louis-based coatings manufacturer with a global reach.
• The company, founded in 1947, produces high-quality performance coatings, linings, and fireproofing products in more than 20 manufacturing facilities around the world.
• Carboline has been ranked a top workplace, so culture and maintaining a safe and clean work environment is something we take very seriously.
• Carboline is part of RPM International Inc., a $7.6 billion, multinational company with subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services.
• From homes and workplaces to infrastructure and precious landmarks, RPM's market-leading brands are trusted by consumers and professionals alike to help build a better world.
• If you want to be part of a growing global organization with opportunity for growth, we would like to meet you.

What We Offer:

We offer a team atmosphere that fosters cooperation and creativity; a management team committed to employee development and an environment where people are empowered to make decisions.

Our career opportunities offer unlimited earnings potential, and our comprehensive benefits package is among the best in the industry which includes affordable benefits, a company match 401K plan and a retirement pension plan.

Carboline is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace.

Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.

"In order to be the best, we must hire the best."