Purchasing Assistant

Position Summary and Responsibilities:
The Purchasing Assistant will compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services. The Purchasing Assistant will select, order and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements.

• Represent Ben E. Keith Company with professionalism, maintain a positive attitude and follow dress code
• Prepare purchase orders - send copies to suppliers and to departments originating requests.
• Determine if inventory quantities are sufficient for needs, ordering more materials when necessary.
• Respond to customer and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations.
• Perform buying duties when necessary.
• Contact suppliers in order to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems.
• Review requisition orders in order to verify accuracy, terminology and specifications.
• Prepare, maintain and review purchasing files, reports and price lists.
• Compare prices, specifications and delivery dates in order to determine the best bid among potential suppliers.
• Track the status of requisitions, contracts and orders.
• Calculate costs of orders and charge or forward invoices to appropriate accounts.
• Check shipments when they arrive to ensure that orders have been filled correctly and those goods meet specifications.
• Approve bills for payment.
• Locate suppliers using sources such as catalogs and the internet, interview supplier about products for ordering.
• Special projects as assigned.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• 2 to 5 years Marketing or Purchasing experience preferred.
• Valid Driver’s license – Required to perform company business
• Knowledge and ability to competently us MS Office, internet and email – willingness to learn new software as needed.
• Associates or related degree /related experience resulting in equivalent level of knowledge and experience is required.