Purchasing Specialist

Socket.dev; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackwood is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Specialist to support efficient procurement operations. You will process purchase orders, validate data, and resolve discrepancies while ensuring policy compliance across CRM systems and vendor portals.

You will build relationships with vendors, collaborate with Sales, Finance, and Operations, and drive process improvements to reduce risk and improve controls. Strong data entry and proactive communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Administrative experience is a plus.
• Strong data entry and attention to detail are essential.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of purchase orders in CRM systems and vendor portals.
• Review and validate purchasing data for accuracy and completeness.
• Investigate and resolve PO discrepancies and vendor inquiries.
• Maintain productive relationships with vendors and distribution partners.
• Coordinate with Sales, Finance, and Operations to support requirements.
• Monitor compliance with company policies and vendor agreements.
• Audit purchasing methods and workflows for efficiency improvements.
• Document purchasing activities and approvals.
• Identify and implement best practices to strengthen purchasing controls.
• Coordinate all activities within the purchasing function as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Excellent computer skills

Typing

Proactive attitude

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

CRM systems

Vendor portals

Job description

Job Description

Blackwood is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Purchasing Specialist to support the organization's purchasing operations. This role is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of purchase orders while ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures. The Purchasing Specialist plays a critical role in mitigating business risk through data validation, document review, discrepancy resolution, and vendor relationship management. This position reports directly to the Business Operations Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of purchase orders within Blackwood's CRM systems and vendor portals.
• Review, validate, and maintain purchasing data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Verify unique deal structures and transactions that fall outside standard purchasing procedures.
• Investigate, analyze, and resolve purchase order discrepancies, exceptions, and vendor inquiries.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with vendors and distribution partners.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Finance, and Operations teams to support customer and business requirements.
• Monitor purchasing activities to ensure compliance with company policies, vendor agreements, and operational guidelines.
• Audit purchasing methods, procedures, and workflows to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and process improvement.
• Audit purchase order records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures.
• Maintain documentation and records related to purchasing activities and approvals.
• Assist in identifying and implementing best practices to enhance purchasing controls and reduce operational risk.
• Control and coordinate all activities within the purchasing function as assigned.

• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support business operations and organizational success.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in related field –preferred, but not required
• Prior administrative experience –preferred, but not required
• Excellent computer skills, especially typing.
• Attention to detail.
• Desire to be proactive and create a positive experience for others.