Purchasing/Planner Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing / Planning Assistant to support our supply chain and operations teams. This role supports and plays an active part in purchasing and production planning processes. The ideal candidate will contribute to material availability, vendor coordination, and inventory management while exercising sound judgment and ownership over assigned responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Planning Support

• Assist in creating, reviewing, and managing purchase orders in alignment with demand and production schedules
• Monitor material requirements, inventory levels, and demand signals to support planning activities
• Review and update system data for accuracy, including item costs and lead times
• Track open orders and ensure timely delivery of materials to meet production needs
• Expedite or adjust orders within established guidelines to prevent shortages or delays

Process Ownership & Problem Solving

• Take ownership of assigned vendors, materials, or reporting processes
• Identify potential supply risks (e.g., shortages, late deliveries, excess inventory) and take proactive action
• Resolve routine purchasing and planning issues independently, escalating when necessary
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within supply chain processes

Vendor & Cross-Functional Communication

• Communicate directly with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery issues
• Coordinate with production, inventory, and operations teams to align material flow with business needs
• Follow up on supplier performance, including delivery reliability and responsiveness

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Maintain and analyze data within company systems and Excel to support decision-making
• Generate and interpret reports related to inventory, purchasing, and demand planning
• Identify trends and provide recommendations to improve efficiency and cost control