Purchasing Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Purchasing Assistant
Job Description

The Purchasing Assistant supports the purchasing team in sourcing, negotiating, and acquiring goods and services essential to the organization’s operations. This role helps ensure timely and cost-effective procurement while maintaining compliance with company policies and vendor agreements. The position is well-suited for a detail-oriented, organized professional who can manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and contribute to efficient purchasing and inventory processes.

Responsibilities

• Support the purchasing team in sourcing goods and services required for daily operations.
• Assist with negotiating terms, pricing, and conditions with suppliers in alignment with company policies.
• Prepare, issue, and track purchase orders to ensure accuracy and timely fulfillment.
• Coordinate with internal departments to confirm purchasing needs and specifications.
• Help maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing, and vendor information in the company systems.
• Assist with inventory management activities, including monitoring stock levels and helping to prevent shortages or overstock situations.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, procedures, and vendor agreements.
• Provide administrative support to the purchasing function, including documentation, filing, and report preparation.
• Work within the company ERP system to enter, update, and track purchasing and inventory data.
• Communicate professionally with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve basic issues related to orders, deliveries, or documentation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of purchasing processes by identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• 1–3 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or administrative support.
• Experience with purchase orders, purchasing processes, and procurement activities.
• Hands-on exposure to inventory management practices.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to learn and work effectively within a company ERP system.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and data entry.
• Motivated self-starter with an open-minded approach to learning purchasing and inventory practices.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interaction with vendors and internal teams.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• Basic understanding of purchasing and inventory control concepts.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a purchasing or operations team.
• Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and support continuous process improvement.

This is an on-site position, working five days a week in a fast-paced operational environment. The role involves regular use of computers, Microsoft Office applications, and an ERP system to support purchasing and inventory activities. The Purchasing Assistant works closely with the purchasing team and other departments in a collaborative office setting focused on efficiency, accuracy, and timely support of organizational needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Durham, NC.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.