Purchasing Assistant Manager

Title: Purchasing Assistant Manager
Department: Purchasing
Location: Torrance, CA (Onsite)
Reports To: General Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Overview
The Purchasing Assistant Manager plays a crucial role in the formulation, execution, and oversight of purchasing strategies, both domestically and internationally, in accordance with company policies. This position supports the assessment, management, and performance evaluation of all vendors, suppliers, co-packers, and blenders across all procurement levels.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing Management
Aid in developing and executing the overall purchasing strategy to ensure it meets business objectives, including periodic cost analyses as needed by the Company President or General Manager.
Determine key performance indicators for essential purchasing functions by analyzing major expense categories and setting savings objectives.
Stay informed about market trends and movements to guide purchasing decisions.
Conduct research to remain updated on compliance regulations.
Collaborate closely with Sales and Marketing teams on new product development and packaging requirements.
Support the budgeting process and partner with the General Manager to maintain departmental spending within financial limits.
Request and review necessary forms (such as requisitions and purchase orders) for accuracy, ensuring pricing and margins align with company goals.

Vendor Management
Proactively identify and engage new co-packers and vendors to maintain or reduce costs of goods and services.
Collaborate with the Purchasing Manager on the approval of new vendor selections.
Oversee co-packers, suppliers, and blenders to guarantee the quality of products and services while keeping costs and delivery schedules competitive.
Manage vendor inventory levels, receipts, and compliance with product labeling and packaging standards as set by the company.
Conduct annual performance evaluations of vendors and report findings to the Purchasing Manager.
Forecasting & Inventory Management
Analyze market trends to inform future inventory forecasting needs.
Ensure adequate inventory levels are maintained for production purposes.
Supervise adjustments made by Purchasing Coordinators and report any discrepancies to the Purchasing Manager.
Work cross-functionally to optimize inventory utilization, enhance turnover, and minimize shrinkage.
Oversee the physical inventory process.

Administrative Management
Provide daily leadership to the Purchasing Team.
Create and maintain documentation of purchasing policies and procedures, providing training as necessary.
Distribute and prioritize work to foster continuous improvement and efficiency.
Verify and approve payroll timecards.
Evaluate the performance of direct reports.
Address employee concerns and resolve issues with the help of Human Resources for performance-related matters, including disciplinary actions.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a professional manner.
Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities
Pursue ongoing improvements and more cost-effective methods in work processes.
Maintain professionalism while handling sensitive information.
Uphold high ethical standards within the workplace.
Follow all company policies and procedures as outlined in the employee handbook.
Ensure a clean and safe working environment.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Japanese is required.
Strong analytical capabilities are essential.
A minimum of 5-7 years in purchasing, supply chain, procurement, or production is highly preferred.

The base pay range above represents the low and high end of the base compensation range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual base compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, actual experience, and job performance. This job posting is not a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee.

The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for our employees. Based on the details of your position, we provide a variety of benefits to our employees, including medical, dental, and vision plans, pre-tax savings plans, pre-tax parking and commuter plans, supplemental health and welfare plans, a retirement savings plan, an employee assistance program, pet insurance, and paid holidays. Other rewards may include short-term incentives and paid time off.

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About Advantage Technical
With company roots going back over 30 years, Advantage Technical is an engineering and information technology services company and a national leader in the provision of technical resources today. These services include Staff Augmentation, Direct Placement, Project Resourcing and Outsourcing - delivered from 40 key market locations, by over 3500 specialized contractors, to over 500 clients across North America. Advantage Technical is a Best of Staffing Diamond Award winner for both Clients and Talent. For more information about the industries and services offered by Advantage Technical, please visit

Advantage Technical is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, mental and physical disability, political affiliation, union membership, status as a parent, military or veteran status or other non-merit based factors. We will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application, interviewing and employment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, contact your local branch. Advantage Technical is an E-Verify employer. This policy is applicable to all phases of the employment relationship, including hiring, transfers, promotions, training, terminations, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment.

All employees are directed to familiarize themselves with this policy and to act in accordance with it. All decisions with respect to employment matters and other phases of employer-temporary employee relationships will be in keeping with this policy and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.