Maintenance Purchasing Clerk

North Star Sheets, 7550 91st St South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, United States of America Job Description Posted Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 4:00 AM Mon - Fri (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM) Some weekend work may be needed. North Star Sheets , an affiliate of Schwarz Partners , and corrugated manufacturing industry leader currently has an exciting opportunity available for a Maintenance Purchasing Clerk / Planner in Cottage Grove, MN . The Maintenance Purchasing Clerk / Planner performs general purchasing functions for the maintenance operations in accordance with established company standards. Responsible for maintaining record keeping of parts and supplies, inventory of fixed assets, parts and supplies uses in the process of manufacturing corrugated sheets. ESSENTIALS JOB FUNCTIONS FOR THIS POSITION: Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier’s reputation and history. Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals/quotes and review requisitions for goods and services. Ensure standard operating procedure is current. Negotiate, or renegotiate, and administer contract with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives based on established company policy or procedures. Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and in the event of problems trace shipments and follow up on undeliverable goods. Confer with management, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action. Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes. Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased. Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends or future markets. Perform regular inventory based on company’s standard operating procedure and maintain a state-of-the-art strategy to monitor inventory of parts and equipment to avoid downtime. Ability to effectively and professionally communicate with all levels of the company including corporate, management, co-workers, and vendors. Maintain price records and handle discrepancies as they arise. Inform management of upcoming price increase, improved product availability, lack of product availability, and economical alternatives. Assist management with purchase of capital equipment. Ability to calculate mathematical figures such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, volume, and net present value. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables. Immediately report any equipment that is not functioning properly. Responsible for maintaining cleanliness of work area, equipment, and tools for the job. Regular and predictable attendance and ability to work flexible hours or extended hours. Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: High school diploma. 2+ years’ experience as a proven manager. 5+ years corrugated manufacturing experience. PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: Associates or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Knowledge of the corrugated manufacturing industry process preferred. Five+ year experience in management, inventory and purchasing; manufacturing experience is a big plus. REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES: Possess a high degree of accuracy and analytical skills. Excellent communication skills – verbal and written. Proficient in Microsoft office. Excellent time management skills and well-organized. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, manuals, and contracts; write routine reports and correspondence; communicate effectively with all levels of the company from Management to Customers. AS AN INDUSTRY LEADER NORTH STAR SHEETS OFFERS: Year-round employment for job stability. Exceptional pay and great, affordable benefits (including life, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match and more!). Highly rewarding monthly Bonus program up to 21% your total monthly earnings! You are eligible for the Bonus program from your first day of employment! Weekly pay. 10 Paid holidays. Vacation time. Upward mobility opportunities for growth, training, and career advancement! A respectful, empowering, team-oriented and employee-friendly environment! North Star Sheets truly values our employees as our greatest asset and we strive to support both you and your family at work and in life. Our organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr