Purchasing Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Purchasing Associate

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing Associate to support company-wide purchasing operations. In this role, you will be responsible for sourcing materials and supplies, managing purchase orders, maintaining vendor relationships, coordinating shipments, and ensuring accurate inventory records. You will work closely with teams across Manufacturing, Warehouse, IT, Customer Service, HR, and other departments to help keep business operations running efficiently.

• Create, review, and issue purchase orders, ensuring accuracy in pricing, quantities, and product specifications.
• Track purchase orders from placement through delivery and follow up with vendors to ensure timely receipt of materials.
• Communicate regularly with vendors regarding order status, confirmations, changes, lead times, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate with Customer Service and internal teams to support order fulfillment and inventory availability.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, receipts, approvals, and inventory documentation.
• Monitor open orders, delivery schedules, and standing orders to ensure materials are available when needed.
• Arrange incoming and outgoing shipments, including carrier coordination and shipment documentation.
• Resolve vendor-related issues, including shipment discrepancies, returns, replacements, credits, and rework requests.
• Source products and supplies by evaluating vendors, pricing, quality, and delivery terms to achieve the best value.
• Support inventory management by communicating product availability and delivery timelines to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to fulfill purchasing needs and support business objectives.
• Perform additional purchasing and administrative duties as assigned.

• Minimum 1 year of purchasing experience or 3+ years of administrative support experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, recordkeeping, and documentation.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.
• Basic math skills with the ability to review pricing, quantities, and purchasing data.

• Experience with purchase order processing and ERP systems.
• Background in purchasing, procurement, inventory control, supply chain, or office administration.
• Experience working with vendors, freight carriers, and shipment coordination.
• Advanced Excel skills, including tracking, reporting, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of inventory management and purchasing best practices.

This position operates in a professional office environment and requires frequent interaction with vendors and internal stakeholders through email, phone, and business systems. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced setting, is highly organized, and can effectively manage multiple tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy and customer service. Occasional overtime or weekend work may be required to support business needs and time-sensitive orders.

• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Opportunity to work cross-functionally with multiple departments
• Hands-on involvement in operations and supply chain activities
• Growth and development opportunities within a dynamic organization
• Stable, full-time position with meaningful impact on daily business operations

This is a Contract position based out of Oceanside, CA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.