Purchasing Associate

Purchasing AssociateThe Purchasing Associate helps ensure the uninterrupted flow of materials and services that support manufacturing and business operations. In this role, you work closely with suppliers and internal teams to procure quality products at competitive costs, maintain accurate inventory and purchasing records, support compliance, and contribute to continuous process improvements. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, managing details, working with data, and building effective supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.ResponsibilitiesExecute daily procurement activities, including purchase order creation, order placement, lead time verification, pricing validation, order acknowledgements, rescheduling, and supplier follow-up.Support procurement strategies that align with quality, cost, and delivery objectives.Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and assist with pricing and contract discussions.Evaluate supplier performance, including quality, reliability, delivery, and compliance with requirements.Identify supplier and supply chain risks and help implement actions to reduce those risks.Partner with internal teams to understand sourcing needs and support supplier selection decisions.Maintain accurate purchasing records, documentation, and data within ERP and related systems.Resolve purchasing, supplier, inventory, or invoice-related issues in a timely and professional manner.Track and report purchasing metrics, including cost data and supplier performance information, to support decision-making.Support continuous improvement of purchasing procedures, tools, and documentation.Receive, stock, organize, and issue inventory to support operational and manufacturing needs.Participate in cycle counts and physical inventory activities to support inventory accuracy and resolve discrepancies.Follow applicable quality procedures and support compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies.Use AI tools appropriately to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and cost efficiency, and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.Perform other duties as assigned to support procurement, inventory, and operations functions.Essential Skills5+ years of experience as a buyer or in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, inventory, or operations functions.Associate degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Hands-on experience with purchasing, procurement, and purchase order management.Experience with order processing, data entry, vendor support, and customer service related to procurement activities.Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage large volumes of information accurately.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to support decisions.Supplier relationship management and negotiation skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications, including practical experience with tools such as MS Dynamics, Ariba, and Qlik.Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with suppliers and internal stakeholders.Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs.Ability to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs for accuracy and relevance.Highly organized, detail-oriented, and analytical approach to work.Work EnvironmentThis position is 100% onsite with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You work as the sole member of the procurement function, providing end-to-end purchasing and inventory support while collaborating closely with operations and leadership. You regularly interact with suppliers and internal teams across operations, supply chain, and business functions. The role supports a manufacturing setting that operates under defined quality procedures and regulatory requirements, emphasizing accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Germantown, MD.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $43.27 - $52.89/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 & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Germantown, MD.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.