A Purchasing Assistant assists buyers and staff in the purchasing or procurement department of a business or store. Assists with checking and completing purchase orders, communicates with vendors and suppliers, maintains records and provides data entry.
Milwaukee, WI Position Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Purchasing Assistant to support the Purchasing and Supply Chain team. This role is responsible for assisting with the procurement of materials, supplies, and services while ensuring timely delivery, maintaining accurate purchasing records, and supporting vendor relationships. The ideal candidate is highly organized, customer-focused, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Essential Responsibilities Assist the Purchasing team with daily procurement activities. Create, process, and track purchase orders for materials, supplies, and equipment. Monitor open purchase orders and follow up with vendors regarding order status, pricing, and delivery schedules. Communicate with suppliers to resolve delivery issues, shortages, pricing discrepancies, and invoice concerns. Maintain accurate purchasing records, vendor files, and procurement documentation. Verify order confirmations and ensure timely delivery of materials to support production schedules. Work closely with Production, Planning, Inventory, and Receiving departments to ensure material availability. Assist with inventory management by monitoring stock levels and recommending replenishment as needed. Compare vendor pricing and assist in obtaining competitive quotes. Process supplier acknowledgments and update ERP systems with accurate purchasing information. Assist with supplier performance tracking and vendor evaluations. Support cost-saving initiatives by identifying purchasing efficiencies. Prepare purchasing reports, spreadsheets, and other administrative documentation. Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures. Perform additional administrative and purchasing-related duties as assigned. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 1-3 years of purchasing, procurement, customer service, or administrative experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Experience working with ERP or MRP systems is preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and Word. Strong organizational and time management skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while meeting deadlines. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Professional and customer-service-oriented attitude. Preferred Qualifications Manufacturing or industrial purchasing experience. Knowledge of inventory control and supply chain processes. Experience coordinating with multiple vendors and suppliers. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus. Skills Purchase Order Processing Vendor Management Procurement Support Inventory Coordination ERP/MRP Systems Microsoft Excel Data Entry Administrative Support Problem Solving Time Management Communication Organization Supply Chain Support Customer Service Work Environment Office environment within a manufacturing facility. Frequent interaction with vendors, production personnel, warehouse staff, and internal departments. Primarily sedentary work with occasional visits to the production floor and warehouse. Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer throughout the day, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow their career in purchasing and supply chain while supporting a collaborative manufacturing team in Milwaukee, WI .
Pay:
$45,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
