Purchasing Associate Job Description Template
The Purchasing Associate is responsible for supporting the purchasing department in all aspects of procurement. This includes but is not limited to: sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, maintaining supplier relationships, and processing purchase orders. The ideal candidate will have experience in a purchasing or supply chain role, strong negotiation and communication skills, and a high level of attention to detail.
Purchasing Associate Job Responsibilities
- Research and identify vendors that offer the best prices and quality for desired goods
- Work with accounting department to develop budgets and track spending
- Negotiate contracts with vendors to get the best pricing possible
- Place orders with vendors and track delivery status to ensure timely arrival of goods
- Maintain relationships with vendors to ensure continued satisfaction with pricing, quality, and service
Objectives
- To develop and maintain relationships with vendors
- To negotiate contracts with vendors
- To manage the purchasing department budget
- To oversee the ordering and receiving of merchandise
- To resolve issues with vendor deliveries
- To track inventory levels and reorder merchandise as needed
- To ensure that all orders are processed in a timely manner
Purchasing Associate Job Skills & Qualifications Needed
- Purchasing associates typically need at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and must complete onthe-job training. They must have basic math skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. In addition, they should be able to effectively communicate with vendors and other members of the purchasing team.