Purchasing Associate

Description

Position Summary

The Purchasing Associate is responsible for purchasing products to ensure that the company's operational needs are met, considers the price and delivery time needed to ensure continuity of supply. In addition, completes forecasting for sales demand, builds valid purchase orders based on purchasing requirements set by the supplier, and troubleshoots purchasing issues.

This position is located in Coatesville, PA. Work hours are 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. The position is in-office with potential for hybrid work.
Key Responsibilities

• Process purchase orders (POs), requisitions, and update management on status of orders.
• Responsible for daily communication to internal & external customers on ETAs, lead-times, and product availability.
• Maintaining forecasts and safety stock levels, purchase products from suppliers, and maintain positive relationships with vendors.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues with supplies.
• Resolve vendor/supplier grievances on price, quality, delivery, or invoices.
• Update inventory and ensure that stock levels are kept at appropriate levels.
• Track orders to ensure timely delivery.
• Support the purchasing function and other relevant departments and communicate any supply problems which may impact on business.
• Act as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on purchasing processes and new projects and activities.
• Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organization.
• Prepare reports and updates as required.
• Work closely with others in the merchandising function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements.
• Coordinate with inventory team and management as required.
• Complies with all Witmer Public Safety Group Policies and Procedures.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field
• Experience: 2+ years of experience in purchasing or related role and knowledge in public safety fields a plus
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, NetSuite, BlueRidge).
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate favorable terms with vendors and partners.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while meeting all required deadlines.
• Creative Thinking: Proven ability to identify, develop, or design inventory strategies.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. This position will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

While performing the duties of this job in a professional office environment, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending or standing on a stool as necessary.