Purchasing Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Purchasing Assistant

Job Description

The Purchasing Assistant supports the procurement function by placing and expediting purchase orders for materials, services, and commodities within assigned limits. This role coordinates order activities, maintains purchasing records, and helps identify new suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing. The position requires strong communication, organizational, and computer skills to manage purchasing data and collaborate effectively with vendors and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Place and expedite purchase orders for materials, services, and commodities within assigned purchasing limits.
• Support the purchasing team by coordinating order activities and serving as backup when needed.
• Research and identify new suppliers and sources of supply to meet business needs.
• Prepare and coordinate Requests for Quotations (RFQs) for review and decision-making.
• Execute releases against established annual contracts in line with procurement guidelines.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and complete required administrative tasks.
• Communicate with suppliers, internal teams, and external stakeholders regarding orders, delivery schedules, and procurement issues.
• Use computer systems to enter, track, and retrieve purchasing and inventory data.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with vendors and internal departments.
• Draft clear business correspondence and communicate technical information when required.
• Evaluate price, quality, delivery, and terms when processing purchases to ensure best value.
• Perform additional procurement-related duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of procurement or purchasing experience.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple orders, records, and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (such as Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Experience with purchasing and procurement processes.
• Ability to manage vendor relationships effectively.
• Ability to source and evaluate vendors and suppliers.
• Competence in using computer systems for data entry, tracking, and reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in vendor management and vendor sourcing.
• Background in inventory-related purchasing activities.
• Strong written communication skills for drafting business correspondence.
• Effective interpersonal skills for collaborating with internal departments and external partners.
• Attention to detail when reviewing quotations, contracts, and purchasing documentation.
• Ability to work in a growing organization with potential for long-term opportunities, though not guaranteed.

Work Environment

This role operates in an office-based environment using computer systems and Microsoft Office applications to manage purchasing and procurement activities. The position involves regular communication by email, phone, and online tools with vendors and internal teams. The organization is expanding, offering a dynamic setting with evolving processes and potential for permanent opportunities, although continuation is not guaranteed. Professional attire suitable for an office environment is typically expected.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elizabeth City, NC.

The pay range for this position is $24.04 - $28.85/hr.

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 Elizabeth City,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.