Purchasing Clerk

POSITION SUMMARY

The Purchasing Clerk provides day-to-day support to the purchasing team by assisting with order entry, inventory tracking, and supplier coordination. This entry-level role is responsible for helping maintain appropriate inventory levels of ingredients, packaging materials and PPE to support production, while learning basic purchasing and supply chain processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• BRC program participant, responsible for their department's knowledge and compliance to the BRC standard - Includes: Product packaging
• Provide administrative support to the Purchasing Manager, including maintaining files, updating records, and assisting with communications.
• Assist with creating and tracking purchase orders to ensure materials are ordered and delivered on time.
• Monitor inventory levels of ingredients, packaging materials and PPE and report low stock or potential shortages.
• Help track inventory movement and identify items that are slow-moving or excess.
• Coordinate with warehouse and production teams to confirm material needs and deliveries.
• Assist with contacting suppliers for order updates, pricing, and basic information.
• Support sourcing activities by gathering quotes and basic product information as needed.
• Help with new product setup by coordinating packaging and ingredient needs.
• Maintain accurate data in purchasing and inventory systems.
• Assist with ordering product samples for testing and product development.
• Maintain and organize all documentation required for BRC compliance, ensuring accuracy and audit readiness at all times.
• Support internal and external audits, including participation in traceability exercises and document retrieval.
• Assist with purchasing and inventory coordination of operational supplies such as labels, liners, dry ice, PPE, and other materials as assigned.
• Update and manage purchase orders, including adding new item lines, tracking consignment items, and ensuring order accuracy.
• Generate, compile, and organize purchasing reports and data for review by management.
• Maintain accurate records of purchasing activities, vendor information, and inventory transactions.
• Communicate any supply or inventory concerns to the Purchasing Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, and Experience)

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
• 0-2 years of experience in an administrative, warehouse, or support role preferred.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn purchasing, inventory, and supply chain processes.
• Good communication skills and ability to work with different teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with PPE and safety requirements in meat processing is a plus.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English with strong verbal communication skills. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.


While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to have a full range of body motion including twisting, bending, reaching outward, pushing, pulling, intensive hand/wrist movement and lifting to meet the NSP minimum required pounds per day which is up to 50 pounds (unassisted). The employee must be able to walk and stand for a significant amount of time on even concrete surfaces, which may at times be slippery due to marinades, water, and other liquids associated with the production process.


Due to noise levels in the work environment, the use of hearing protection is required. The employee must have good, corrected vision to see details at close range or at a distance. The employee will be working in a climate-controlled environment of -40°F to -45°F. The employee may be exposed to strong odors such as raw meat and marinades from seasoned meat.


While in the production area, employee is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to include hair and beard nets, rubber soled shoes, smocks, hearing protection and hard hats.