Associate Purchasing Analyst at Dahl Consulting in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Associate Purchasing Analyst

Location: Plymouth, MN

Job Type: Contract (6 Months + Potential to extend)

Compensation: $28.17 - $30.28/hr

Work Arrangement: Onsite for training (first 2-4 weeks) then hybrid upon manager discretion (onsite Tues-Thurs)

Industry: Powersports

About The Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the powersports and recreational vehicle industry, is seeking an Associate Purchasing Analyst to join their Parts, Garments & Accessories (PG&A) supply chain team. In this role, you will actively manage supplier relationships to ensure the on-time delivery of products to distribution facilities across the network. You will collaborate closely with demand planning analysts to ensure the proper quantities are purchased to achieve strategic inventory and service level objectives that meet customer needs. This position offers a standard office environment with flexibility for remote work at the manager's discretion.

Job Description

As an Associate Purchasing Analyst, you will play a critical role in driving supplier performance, resolving backorder issues, and supporting business goals through effective communication and cross-functional collaboration. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Developing and fostering relationships with select suppliers to drive consistent performance and improve back-order recovery
• Reviewing system-recommended purchase quantities and collaborating with demand planning analysts to improve accuracy
• Approving purchase orders and ensuring on-time delivery by reviewing expedite, defer, and cancel messages as necessary to achieve fill-rate and inventory goals
• Resolving backorder issues in accordance with established goals
• Working directly with suppliers to ensure system data integrity (cost, MOQ, lead-time, etc.)
• Negotiating cost, lead time, minimum, and economic order quantities to the company's benefit
• Coordinating and communicating with multiple departments to achieve business objectives
• Proactively identifying and communicating urgent issues to the supervisor
• Supporting other projects and duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 1+ year of experience in supply chain management (i.e., MRP, logistics, and inventory management)
• Intermediate Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and Conditional Formatting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work cross-functionally
• High attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving skills with an aptitude to improve processes
• Ability to negotiate, influence, and resolve conflict with diplomacy and partnership
• Ability to work independently with a minimum level of supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field
• Prior experience or education in supply chain or purchasing