Purchasing Coordinator

Purchasing CoordinatorThe Purchasing Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring accurate and efficient purchasing operations within a manufacturing environment. This position focuses on managing purchase orders, reconciling invoice and PO discrepancies, supporting inventory accuracy, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain reliable product availability and drive process improvements.ResponsibilitiesIdentify discrepancies between invoices and purchase orders and work closely with accounts payable and accounts receivable teams to research and resolve issues.Review and reconcile purchase order and invoice variances to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial and purchasing records.Conduct nonconformance reports (NCRs) to identify, document, and address discrepancies in products or materials.Oversee product and material returns, including initiating, tracking, and following through until each return is fully resolved.Monitor and work through open purchase orders, proactively addressing past-due orders and ensuring timely follow-up.Process and manage purchase orders for assigned materials and suppliers, ensuring accuracy of quantities, pricing, and delivery requirements.Confirm supplier receipt of purchase orders and follow up on missing acknowledgments to maintain clear communication and alignment.Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, product availability, order changes, delivery timing, and past-due materials to support smooth supply chain operations.Create purchase orders in the company ERP system and ensure all relevant details are entered accurately.Maintain accurate ERP data, including current costs, open and pending purchase orders, delivery dates, and supplier information.Review inventory levels, demand trends, lead times, and past purchasing activity to help support appropriate stock levels and avoid shortages or excess inventory.Assist with indirect purchasing for office, factory, and janitorial supplies as needed to support overall facility operations.Support inventory accuracy and product availability through diligent purchasing practices and coordination with operations and inventory teams.Provide purchasing support to multiple team members, flexing to assist wherever workload demands are highest.Collaborate with purchasing, accounting, operations, inventory, and other departments to resolve issues and ensure alignment on purchasing activities.Support cost-reduction and process-improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline purchasing processes and reduce waste.Participate in the monthly Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) process and provide information related to customer and supplier trends as appropriate for assigned responsibilities.Essential SkillsSeveral years of overall experience working in an office setting.At least 1 year of purchasing or supply chain experience.Experience working with purchase orders in a professional environment.Experience researching invoice or purchasing discrepancies and resolving issues.Experience coordinating with AP/AR or accounting teams to support reconciliation and payment processes.Experience managing returns or nonconforming materials in a manufacturing or supply chain setting.Exposure to nonconformance reports (NCRs) or nonconformance processes.Hands-on experience utilizing ERP software such as SAP, JD Edwards (JDE), QAD, or similar systems.Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data entry, tracking, and simple analysis.Foundational knowledge of purchasing, procurement, and supply chain principles.Ability to manage multiple priorities, open purchase orders, and follow up on past-due items in a fast-paced environment.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience with vendor management and maintaining strong supplier relationships.LEAN or process-improvement experience, with an interest in supporting continuous improvement initiatives.Exposure to international suppliers or offshore sourcing and related logistics considerations.Experience providing administrative support in a purchasing or supply chain function.Formal education or degree related to business, supply chain, or a similar field is beneficial.Strong attention to detail and accuracy when working with invoices, purchase orders, and ERP data.Effective communication skills for coordinating with suppliers and internal cross-functional teams.Ability to work collaboratively and support multiple team members as workload demands shift.Work EnvironmentThis is a fully onsite role in a manufacturing environment, offering hands-on exposure to purchasing, purchase order management, invoice reconciliation, ERP systems, Excel, and cross-functional operations. The position is initially structured as a contract assignment, with the potential to extend for several months and possibly transition into a long-term or permanent opportunity depending on business needs and performance. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You will work closely with purchasing, accounting, operations, and inventory teams, using ERP software and Microsoft Excel on a daily basis in an office setting within a manufacturing facility.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of La Porte, IN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/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 & 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)Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in La Porte, IN.