Purchasing Analyst

Purchasing Analyst

Reports to: Purchasing Manager of Business Unit

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Schedule: 8am – 5pm; Monday-Friday Extended hours may be required to support business needs

Position Summary

The Purchasing Analyst will support day-to-day purchasing, supplier follow-up, material planning, and supply-chain execution for the business unit. This role requires strong attention to detail, ownership, communication skills, and the ability to work with ERP systems, Excel, suppliers, and internal teams.

This position is intended for someone who can support current business needs while developing into a higher-level purchasing or supply-chain role over time.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day purchasing activities for production material and assigned commodities.
• Follow up with suppliers on open purchase orders, confirmations, late orders, and delivery dates.
• Track shortages, expedite material, and communicate supply risks before they impact production.
• Support material planning by reviewing demand, inventory levels, and timing of deliveries.
• Coordinate logistics for outside processing services and related material movement as needed.
• Maintain supplier communication and provide ETA updates to internal teams.
• Assist with RFQs, quote comparisons, supplier follow-up, and cost-saving projects.
• Support tracking of purchasing metrics, supplier performance, open issues, and supply gap lists.
• Work with production, quality, engineering, and suppliers to resolve delivery or material issues.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, including part numbers, quantities, dates, pricing, and inventory information.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and follow through without constant direction.
• Develop knowledge of sourcing, supplier management, negotiation, material planning, and cost-saving activities.

Education, Prior Work Experience, and Specialized Skills

• Prior experience in purchasing, supply chain, materials, logistics, production planning, inventory control, or manufacturing operations preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required, especially Excel.
• Strong communication skills in a business setting, including supplier and internal team communication.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and work with data and numbers.
• Strong attention to detail, especially with part numbers, quantities, dates, pricing, and inventory levels.
• Familiarity with sourcing, supplier follow-up, and vendor management preferred.
• Interest in learning negotiation, supplier management, cost savings, and material planning.
• Solid judgment, follow-up skills, and ability to prioritize competing tasks.
• Strong ownership mindset and ability to work independently after training.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to grow into a higher-level purchasing or supply-chain role over time.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in place of degree.

Physical Environment / Work Conditions

Works in an office and plant environment. The individual regularly uses a computer and communicates with suppliers, internal teams, customers, and plant management as needed.

Other Requirements

Must be able to work as part of a team and maintain confidentiality when working with the Executive Management and Plant Management teams on assignments.