Purchasing Assistant

Purchasing AssistantThis Purchasing Assistant role supports a manufacturing organization during a significant transformation period, focusing on clearing a large purchasing and production backlog. The position is a 6-12 month contract, with an expected duration of 9-12 months and potential for permanent conversion for strong performers. The Purchasing Assistant will manage hands-on purchasing activities to ensure materials and components are efficiently quoted, ordered, and delivered to support ongoing manufacturing operations in a fast-paced, changing environment.Responsibilities:Manage day-to-day purchasing and procurement activities for materials and components that support manufacturing operations.Process purchase orders accurately and maintain up-to-date purchasing information within the ERP system.Request, obtain, and manage supplier quotes to support timely and cost-effective purchasing decisions.Communicate regularly with vendors regarding pricing, availability, lead times, order status, and delivery expectations.Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with suppliers to support ongoing operational needs.Participate in supplier meetings and follow up on outstanding purchasing requirements and action items.Monitor open orders and proactively identify and address potential delays, issues, or discrepancies.Perform purchasing-related data entry, coding, and documentation with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.Work cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure materials are available when needed to support production schedules.Help prioritize urgent material needs as production requirements and business priorities change.Utilize Microsoft Excel to track, analyze, and manage purchasing-related information and data.Support additional purchasing and procurement initiatives as needed to help work through the backlog and improve processes.Allocate time approximately as follows: 50% purchasing and ordering materials, 30% requesting and processing quotes, and 20% vendor communication and supplier relationship management.Purchase a variety of manufacturing-related materials, which may include castings, custom-machined components, hardware, nuts, bolts, and other manufacturing components and supplies.Essential Skills:Approximately 5+ years of experience in Buyer, Purchasing, Procurement, or a closely related role preferred.Solid understanding of the full purchasing lifecycle and purchase order process.Proven experience communicating with and maintaining relationships with vendors and suppliers.Experience requesting, obtaining, and managing supplier quotes.Previous experience working with an ERP system; specific ERP platform experience is not required, and training will be provided.Comfortable using Microsoft Excel to manage and track purchasing data.Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.Ability to manage a high volume of purchasing activity and data entry while maintaining accuracy.Ability to prioritize multiple requests and adjust quickly as business needs and production requirements change.Demonstrated ability to work with a strong sense of urgency in a fast-paced, changing environment.Comfortable working through ambiguity and solving problems as they arise.Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Manufacturing experience is strongly preferred but not strictly required.Experience purchasing manufacturing components, hardware, raw materials, or similar products is a plus.Background in supply chain, inventory, or related operational functions is beneficial.Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools beyond Excel is helpful.Experience as a Buyer with responsibility for vendor management, ERP use, and quoting activities is advantageous.Ability to stay focused and productive when priorities shift and situations do not go perfectly according to plan.Dynamic, driven, and willing to roll up sleeves and jump in to get things done during a period of organizational transformation.Work Environment:This is an on-site role based in a manufacturing environment in Massachusetts. The organization is undergoing an important transformation period, resulting in a fast-paced setting where priorities can change quickly and a significant purchasing and production backlog is being actively addressed. The Buyer will work closely with operations, supply chain, and other internal teams, using ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools to manage purchasing activities. The environment emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and a strong sense of urgency, offering the opportunity to make an immediate and visible impact. With multiple openings and the potential for 12 high-performing individuals to convert to permanent roles at the end of the contract, the workplace supports growth for those who enjoy staying busy, building supplier relationships, and helping a manufacturing operation move forward.Interviews are happening this week! If interested, please send over your most recent resume to View email address on click.appcast.io along with your availability for a 10-minute phone screen to go over the position more in detail.Job Type & Location: This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MA.Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $34.00/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 Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in Warren, MA.