Purchasing Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Purchasing Assistant

Location: Royal Oaks, CA and Yuma, AZ
Department: Procurement
Reports To: President
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Regular Business Hours
Benefits: Health Insurance
Employment Type: Hourly

Job Summary

We are seeking an organized, detail-oriented Purchasing Specialist to support procurement operations by managing inventory purchases, coordinating with suppliers, evaluating pricing, and identifying opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency and profit margins.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication and negotiation skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and the ability to analyze financial information to make informed purchasing decisions. This position works closely with leadership, vendors, and internal departments to ensure materials are purchased efficiently and inventory is available when needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Purchasing and Inventory Management

• Purchase inventory, raw materials, and supplies to support business operations.
• Evaluate vendor quotes, pricing, and services to identify the most suitable suppliers.
• Develop purchasing strategies and programs to maximize profitability and improve margins.
• Collaborate with the executive team to determine inventory replenishment quantities and timing.
• Coordinate inventory distribution among departments to meet operational needs.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with vendors and internal departments.
• Resolve vendor disputes and address purchasing or delivery concerns in a timely manner.
• Update standard purchase pricing on a biweekly basis.
• Monitor industry developments, market conditions, and product trends to support informed purchasing decisions.
• Review previous orders and purchasing programs to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Research emerging product trends and make recommendations based on market demand and business needs.
• Visit departments quarterly to maintain familiarity with products and inventory requirements across market areas.
• Prepare and maintain reports related to product usage, inventory shrink, and pricing.
• Collaborate with the Raw Product Procurement Manager and participate in cross-training as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, operational efficiency, and profitability.
• Travel to company locations, vendor sites, retail locations, and trade shows as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Vendor Relations and Professional Representation

• Maintain a professional, responsive, and courteous approach when communicating with vendors, customers, and internal teams.
• Represent the procurement department professionally and support organizational values.
• Recommend new ideas and process improvements to increase purchasing efficiency and identify additional margin opportunities.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to review and interpret financial information to support purchasing and pricing decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel to retail locations, vendor facilities, trade shows, and other business locations as needed.

Physical and Other Requirements

• Ability to perform essential job functions safely and consistently, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Ability to travel as required by business needs.

Why Apply?

• Full-time employment
• Health insurance benefits
• Regular business-hour schedule
• Opportunity to contribute to purchasing strategies, inventory management, and business growth