BUYER ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

Support structures in retail buying are easy to underestimate. One missed vendor deadline, one Open-to-Buy figure left unreconciled, and a seasonal assortment arrives late, over-budget, or misaligned with the markdown calendar. The Buyer Assistant holds the operational center of a retail merchandising team, owning purchase order accuracy, vendor communication, and in-season reporting across multi-category or single-category businesses. This is a role where retail math fluency and vendor relationship management are daily currency, not occasional requirements.

As the Buyer Assistant, you process and maintain purchase orders, track in-season performance, and act as the primary operational link between the buying team, the vendor community, and cross-functional partners including Planning, Marketing, and Distribution. You report to a Buyer or Buying Director and support a merchandise portfolio spanning seasonal assortment builds, open-to-buy management, and weekly sales analysis.

Career Impact: Hands-on ownership of Open-to-Buy reconciliation and vendor negotiation at the assistant level builds the merchandising fluency that distinguishes future Buyers in competitive retail markets.

Business Impact: When purchase orders are accurate, vendor relationships are well-managed, and markdowns are executed on time, a retail organization's seasonal margin performance reflects that precision directly.

Growth Opportunity: The Buyer Assistant seat is a recognized pipeline into Buyer and Merchandise Planner roles, where assortment strategy ownership and financial planning accountability expand substantially.

• Manage purchase orders from creation through maintenance, including cost changes, extension dates, and vendor acknowledgment follow-up.
• Partner with vendors to negotiate PO terms, resolve shipping discrepancies, and relay unresolved issues to the Buying Director.
• Monitor Open-to-Buy and recap sheets daily, reconciling receipt flow against financial plans each week.
• Generate weekly selling reports and business analysis to identify top performers, flag liabilities, and support reorder recommendations.
• Coordinate with Planning, Marketing, Distribution, and Ecommerce teams to align on promotional timing, product setup, and inventory flow.
• Prepare assortment boards, competitive analysis summaries, and performance presentations for buying team meetings.
• Set up new vendors and items in merchandise systems, ensuring product descriptions, pricing, and attributes are accurate.
• Communicate with the Distribution Center on inbound shipment status, invoice discrepancies, and receipt exceptions.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Fashion, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of retail buying, merchandising, or purchasing experience, with direct exposure to purchase order management.
• Working knowledge of retail math concepts including sell-through rate, margin calculation, and Open-to-Buy.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze sales and inventory reports and translate findings into actionable buying recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort presenting data to buyers and cross-functional partners.
• High proficiency in spreadsheet applications, with experience managing large data sets and building summary reports.
• Proven organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple active purchase orders and vendor deadlines simultaneously.

• Experience supporting a Buyer in a multi-category or multi-channel retail environment, including both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce.
• Familiarity with open-to-buy planning tools, merchandise management systems, or ERP platforms used in retail operations.
• Exposure to vendor negotiations, including cost discussions, markdown allowances, or return-to-vendor agreements.
• Prior experience in fashion apparel, home decor, beauty, or specialty retail buying teams.

• Purchase order accuracy rate, reflecting how consistently POs are created and maintained without error.
• On-time receipt percentage, measuring vendor delivery performance against confirmed ship dates.
• Open-to-Buy variance, tracking how closely actual receipts align with the financial plan each week.
• Vendor response time on outstanding issues, reflecting effectiveness of day-to-day supplier communication.
• Reorder recommendation adoption rate, indicating how often analysis-driven suggestions are actioned by the Buyer.
• Typical tools: Merchandise management systems (commonly retail ERP platforms); spreadsheet applications (commonly Excel with VLOOKUP and pivot table use)

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $58,000 per year, depending on experience and market
• Bonus: discretionary annual bonus, typically 5 to 8% of base salary
• Equity: not standard at this level in retail
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage, employer contribution varies by retailer
• PTO: 10 to 15 days per year, plus standard federal holidays
• Common Perks: Employee merchandise discount, hybrid schedule where offered, professional development access

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process may request them at any time. Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Buyer Assistant owns and grows an established multi-category business alongside the Director of Merchandising, building assortment and sourcing strategies that gain market share and drive revenue within the home decor e-commerce space. Working closely with Planning, Marketing, Operations, and Site Merchandising teams, this role delivers business impact by managing open-to-buy, fostering a strategic vendor portfolio, and mentoring a high-performing team of Associate and Assistant Buyers.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and grow an established multi-category business in partnership with the Director of Merchandising and Senior Buyer.
• Partner with the Director of Merchandising and Senior Buyer to plan assortment and sourcing strategies for domestic vendors.
• Manage, train, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of Associate and Assistant Buyers.
• Build assortment and sourcing strategies to gain market share and drive revenue.
• Identify opportunities for continued growth in the home decor e-commerce space.
• Partner with the Planning team to create seasonal business plans and drive weekly business potential.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, and Site Merchandising to establish long-term business growth opportunities.
• Identify marketplace trends and source new products and vendors to ensure freshness in offerings.

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of retail merchandising experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience managing a multi-category business and extensive vendor relationships.
• Experience managing and mentoring 2-5 direct reports.
• Strong analytical skills related to sell-through, margin gain, and business trend analysis.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and senior executive interaction skills.
• Strong communication skills in business writing and articulating business performance.
• Entrepreneurial, self-starter mindset with the ability to think innovatively and manage multiple priorities.

Embedded within the purchasing and manufacturing liaison function, the Buyer Assistant manages all material and consumable purchases while coordinating closely with manufacturing to ensure cost-efficient procurement and on-time deliveries. Working closely with suppliers, the Sales team, and cross-functional stakeholders, this role advances competitive advantage by developing global sourcing strategies, maintaining KPIs, and championing new product development through continuous supplier identification.

Core Functions

• Manage the purchasing process to ensure all day-to-day purchasing activities are carried out in a timely and effective manner.
• Support the team with daily sourcing tasks, technical queries, and identification of improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain KPIs covering supplier performance and overall financial performance.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to ensure ongoing best cost and best terms.
• Develop and manage supply chain to ensure competitive advantage and cost-effective inventory levels.
• Seek out and manage materials savings initiatives in line with profit plan and business objectives.
• 0Champion the new product development process by seeking out new products and suppliers.

Qualifications and Experience

• 1-10 years of progressive experience in a commercial role with a strong understanding of the manufacturing industry.
• A qualification in Purchasing, Production and Operations, or Engineering is preferable.
• Solid track record of meeting substantial material cost reduction targets.
• Strong character with the confidence and knowledge to challenge the status quo.
• Ability to coordinate multiple group efforts to achieve objectives and handle multiple tasks with awareness of deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages and experience with Clarity Pro is an advantage.

Reporting to the buying team, the Buyer Assistant provides purchasing support with a focus on accurate data entry, on-time inbound logistics, and superior customer service, ensuring accuracy in the ordering process and facilitating vendor communications. Partnering with suppliers, internal departments, stores, and distribution centers, this role shapes smooth purchase order execution and enables consistent product availability across the business.

Primary Duties

• Maintain department files including purchase orders, quote sheets, supplier lists, and other documents.
• Create purchase orders and ensure they are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Verify product descriptions and update information elsewhere as needed.
• Ensure all supplier invoices are processed timely with minimal past dues.
• Create Hot Buy slides for weekly purchasing meetings.
• Maintain positive working relationships and effective communication with suppliers, internal departments, stores, and distribution centers.
• Set up suppliers, items, and modules with maximum accuracy and strong attention to detail.
• Respond to all store issues and inquiries promptly and process price changes and corrective billings.

Skills and Qualifications

• Associate degree or 1-2 years of retail, sales, or related experience.
• Basic knowledge of ORV, CRV, and Sugar Tax.
• Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Word, and Outlook.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, highly organized, resourceful, and able to research problems and recommend solutions.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment and proven self-motivated team player.

Sitting at the intersection of customer service and purchasing operations, the Buyer Assistant delivers exceptional service while supporting vehicle secures, lot merchandising, customer transfers, and CarMax Auctions, contributing directly to accurate inventory management and seamless lot operations. Operating across the Purchasing, Inventory, and Sales Departments, this role ensures that vehicle data is accurately recorded and that cross-functional teams are supported through effective communication and task execution.

Duties

• Complete vehicle secures by reading and verifying appraisal sheet information for any discrepancies.
• Assist the Purchasing Department with maintaining inventory and customer transfers.
• Partner with Inventory and Sales Departments with lot staging as needed.
• Provide CarMax Auctions support including imaging, staging, scanning, and auction day support.
• Read, interpret, and transcribe data to maintain accurate records.
• Multi-task in a high-energy, fast-paced work environment.
• Speak and listen effectively when dealing with internal and external customers.

Position Requirements

• Completion of New Associate Orientation Training and Kronos Training for Hourly Associates.
• Ability to walk, bend, or stand for extended periods of time and work outdoors in any inclement weather.
• Flexible availability for shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to function effectively within other departments in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.

A key member of the covermount buying team, the Buyer Assistant supports the Buyer and Senior Buyer in developing, sourcing, and purchasing covermounts for a portfolio of magazines, ensuring all selections align with each title's editorial strategy. Collaborating across internal departments and external suppliers, this role drives market leadership in covermount quality and innovation while maintaining budget control, ethical sourcing standards, and rigorous product safety procedures.

Accountabilities

• Assist with the management of the magazine covermount sourcing process by contributing ideas and collaborating in the entire creative process.
• Creatively develop ideas for magazine covermounts to ensure children's magazines remain market leaders in quality and innovation.
• Serve as the day-to-day contact for all internal and external interfaces the role demands.
• Manage the Frontline relationship to ensure covermounts are finished on time and in the correct position on the front cover.
• Assist in the management of the annual covermount budget, ensuring all costs are controlled and correctly recorded.
• Negotiate with external suppliers to achieve the best possible price for all covermounts.
• Ensure covermounts are sourced only from ethical and audited factories in line with IMC ethical policy.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum two years of buying experience with solid experience sourcing product and negotiating with suppliers in the UK and overseas.
• Track record of successfully managing and developing others in a fast-paced buying environment.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage peaks and troughs in workload.
• Strong ability to persuade and influence others, present ideas confidently, and build rapport at all levels.
• Consistently high performer who pushes self and others for results and is dedicated to meeting customer expectations.
• Positive outlook, collaborative team player, and enjoys working in a challenging, energetic environment.

Sustained sales growth and margin performance depend on the Buyer Assistant, who supports the Buying team by devising assortment strategies, providing in-season forecasting insights, and serving as the first point of contact for vendors, Marketing, Visual, Stores, and Pricing. Based within a merchandising-focused buying environment, the Buyer Assistant enables the Buying Director to make confident item-level decisions by delivering detailed performance analysis, managing purchase orders, and resolving vendor shipping issues.

Key Deliverables

• Liaise weekly with Financial Planning to provide insights for forecasting and review receipts for ROF.
• Provide the Buying Director with detailed performance analysis to assist in determining in-season item-level changes.
• Articulate and present customer lifestyle differences within each department.
• Develop purchase orders and partner with Buying Director, Merchandise Planning, and vendors to secure merchandise.
• Negotiate with vendors for on-order quantities and ship date adjustments and resolve shipping problems.
• Serve as the first point of contact with the Vendor Community, Marketing, Visual, Stores, and Pricing.
• Communicate with vendors to ensure timely collection of MDAs, markdowns, and RTVs.
• Partner with the Pricing team on pricing strategy and in-season adjustments.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university.
• 1-2 years of related retail buying or merchandising experience.
• Ability to interpret financial information accurately and proficiency in Excel and Outlook.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work across functional lines.
• Ability to think creatively, analytically, and strategically and to communicate clearly in a concise manner.

As the Buyer Assistant II in Cosmetics, this role provides operational support to the Buyer with a focus on business management, problem solving, and developing buying expertise across assigned classifications. The cosmetics buying team relies on this work to maintain fiscal accountability, deliver actionable OTB and stock analysis, manage vendor relationships, and translate advanced product knowledge into informed assortment recommendations that strengthen the Ross Stores offering.

Role Responsibilities

• Perform operational functions supporting a buying team by providing ongoing analysis of key business issues including merchandise reports, Open-to-Buy monitoring, and stock analysis.
• Anticipate potential problems and risks and generate ideas and solutions to resolve them proactively.
• Manage merchandising systems, planning tools, and reporting processes including OTB, UDA, and Shipping to provide actionable analysis and business recommendations.
• Manage relationships with internal cross-functional partners and external vendors to ensure key shipments are delivered and issues are resolved.
• Establish and maintain a reputation of credibility and responsiveness by eliciting critical information from vendors on market trends and competitor activity.
• Demonstrate advanced product knowledge through competitive shopping and make recommendations on assortment mix and price and value relationships.
• Utilize product knowledge to find new resources and creative methods of sourcing product to impact the assortment.

Background and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 1-2 years of prior merchant or Assistant Buyer experience in a regional or large retail chain.
• Thorough knowledge of merchandising including technical aspects and retail math.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills with the ability to independently analyze business and make recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in negotiation.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills and strong PC and Microsoft Office skills with emphasis on Excel.

Buyer Assistant supports rue21's Merchandising Department by processing purchase orders, managing vendor communications, and contributing to product selection, price negotiation, and purchasing decisions that drive overall sales results. The work directly supports the Buying team and GMM by maintaining Open-to-Buy recap sheets, analyzing reorder reports, and serving as the key intermediary between buyers and the vendor community on PO changes and order issues.

What You'll Do=

• Process all purchase orders including coding and communicating information to vendors.
• Work with vendors and buyers to support negotiation of PO terms including cost.
• Update PO system for retail changes, cost changes, and extension dates.
• Act as intermediary between buyers and vendors on issues including cancellation of orders.
• Maintain and update Open-to-Buy and recap sheets daily, weekly, and monthly.
• Communicate with the Distribution Center on problems related to order shipping issues.
• Analyze reports and make recommendations for merchandise reorders.
• Review all reports to update Buyers and GMM and answer vendor inquiries.

Required Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in assistant buying, buying internship, or prior retail experience preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• High proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook, and internet applications.
• Strong professional verbal and written communication and engaging interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to adapt to change in direction and priority in a fast-paced environment and foster a positive and motivating work environment.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and efficient in organization, prioritization, and time management.

The Buyer Assistant delivers operational and administrative support to the Buyer and VP of Operations, managing the full purchase order lifecycle, maintaining vendor relationships, and ensuring data integrity across systems to support overall company sales objectives. Working closely with accounting, warehouse, inventory management, Ecommerce, and vendor partners, this role enables accurate reporting, seamless product launches, and effective cross-functional communication that keeps the business running efficiently.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Perform administrative and operational functions to support the buying team.
• Manage the full lifecycle of a purchase order including entering POs, creating SKUs, entering transfers, and maintaining updates.
• Upload markdowns and pricing into systems and maintain damage logs with weekly updates.
• Communicate with accounting, warehouse, inventory management, and vendors to reconcile purchase order discrepancies and vendor invoice status.
• Update special order logs, master vendor files, catalogs, pricelists, and order fabric and finish samples.
• Coordinate product training with vendors and stores and set up product knowledge and product preview files.
• Liaise with Ecommerce and vendors to gather item descriptions, dimensions, weights, and hi-res images.
• Set up assortment boards, prepare reports, and participate in meetings with the Buyer on presentations.
• Organize picture files for best seller reporting, assortment boards, eCommerce, and system uploads.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 2+ years of assistant buyer experience in a retail business environment.
• Knowledge of retail math and operations.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Extremely organized, detail-oriented, and able to present information effectively in one-on-one and team settings.
• Strong time management skills and the drive to succeed in a fast-paced environment.

Embedded within the merchandising team at Shoppe Amber Interiors in Calabasas, the Buyer Assistant refines and executes merchandising strategies covering product assortments, vendor relationships, pricing negotiations, and inventory turnover to drive revenue growth and achieve margin goals. Working closely with the Merchandising Team and fulfillment partners, this role ensures purchase order accuracy, vendor alignment, and competitive insight that enable the business to optimize product profitability within each category.

Areas of Ownership

• Manage and update internal systems for product information including product cost, pricing, backorder dates, and availability status.
• Manage purchase orders including vendor setup, creation, revisions, maintenance, cancellations, and tracking.
• Research and resolve discrepancies between purchase orders and vendor invoices.
• Communicate with the fulfillment team on PO receiving, vendor quality issues, and seasonal launches.
• Establish positive vendor relationships to obtain the best pricing and terms possible.
• Prepare weekly analysis of competitor trends, promotions, and overall assortments to present to the Merchandising Team.
• Maintain awareness of competition relative to product value and customer profitability within category.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 1-2 years in a retail buying or merchandising role.
• Strong understanding and experience using MS Office Suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong sense of urgency.
• Organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and flexible with a proven ability to achieve results in a fast-paced environment.
• NetSuite experience is a plus.

Reporting to the Buyer, the Buyer Assistant manages and reports on brand and product performance across Space NK US retailer partners, generating weekly selling reports and creating retailer forms to maximize sales opportunities and minimize liabilities. Partnering with Assistant Planners, brand partners, and cross-functional team members, this role produces actionable business analysis and go-to-market support that drives continued growth and profitability across all retail channels.

Scope of Work

• Assist the Buyer with conducting regular performance meetings with brands.
• Assist the Buyer with creating market decks to present to retail partners.
• Create, manage, and share all retailer forms including new line sheets, UPC management, and price change details.
• Create and manage the internal new product workbook and share with all cross-functional team members.
• Partner with Assistant Planners and brand partners on RTVs, markdowns, and chargebacks.
• Meet go-to-market deadlines required by other departments.
• Generate weekly selling reports and business analysis to track selling, identify key trends, and maximize opportunities.
• Assist in analyzing class performance, planned class penetration, and average retail by class.

Professional Experience

• 1+ year of previous experience in buying.
• Strong commercial acumen and comfort with numbers and analytics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Passion for the beauty industry with enthusiasm and a proactive, entrepreneurial approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to organize and prioritize work with a high sense of urgency.
• Strong people skills with a focus on building relationships both internally and externally.
• Willingness to learn, seek feedback, and adapt to change.

A key member of the Tommy Hilfiger Outlet buying team, the Buyer Assistant assists, coordinates, and supports the Retail Buyer across all categories through the end-to-end buying process, from purchase order creation and stock management to post-seasonal analysis and competitor review. Collaborating across distribution, stores, and factory partners, this role ensures accurate stock movement, timely supplier deliveries, and well-prepared range plans that support effective trade meeting decisions.

Work Activities

• Review weekly sales and assist with post-seasonal analysis and execute proposed action plans.
• Work closely with the distribution team to ensure effective movement of stock through the business.
• Create product range books and assist with the preparation of range review and product assortment process.
• Complete competitor analysis weekly to understand market and product assortments.
• Build strong relationships with stores and coordinate store communication, visits, and action plans.
• Create, maintain, reserve, and close purchase orders ensuring accurate stock management.
• Serve as the point of contact to liaise with factories and chase stock deliveries from suppliers.

Technical Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role supporting a retail buying team within fashion apparel.
• Strong computer literacy with Microsoft Office especially Excel including VLOOKUPs.
• Experience using SAP and Qlikview preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and follow up with key stakeholders.

As the Buyer Assistant - Purchaser, this role takes charge of all phases of the purchasing process at Patio 1, from order generation and invoicing through to freight management, while representing the brand's lifestyle identity in all vendor and team interactions. The purchasing and executive teams rely on this work to maintain high standards of inventory management knowledge, supplier coordination, and operational continuity across the outdoor furniture business.

Functions

• Take charge of all phases of the purchasing process including order generation, order acknowledgment, shipping, packing list, order invoicing, auditing, payment approval, and freight charge percentages.
• Learn and communicate Patio 1's inventory management standards.
• Represent Patio 1's lifestyle brand through communication, personal appearance, and interactions.
• Develop strong interest and knowledge in design and the outdoor furniture industry.
• Support, communicate, and maintain high standards of knowledge in purchasing and shipping for the Purchasing and Executive teams.

Experience and Qualifications

• Experience within a logistics firm or furniture and luxury retail preferred.
• Supply chain, architecture, or interior design experience or education preferred.
• Proficiency with Windows and Mac operating systems, iOS devices, Microsoft Office, Excel, and Google Applications.
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Highly organized, collaborative, and results-oriented with a positive attitude and openness to change.
• Ability to work with a dynamic and creative team and embrace change to deliver top results.

Buyer Assistant develops purchase orders, coordinates with vendors to secure merchandise, and supports the Buying Director by resolving shipping issues, maintaining vendor partnerships, and generating sales unit performance reports that inform buying decisions. The work directly supports timely product placement and accurate item setup, enabling the merchandising team to maintain a well-managed and replenished inventory in a retail environment.

Job Functions

• Develop purchase orders and coordinate with vendors to secure merchandise.
• Make ship date adjustments and resolve shipping problems and relay issues to the Buying Director.
• Assist in managing the timely placement and maintenance of purchase orders.
• Assist in setting up new items in the item database.
• Assist in vendor selection and in developing and maintaining strong vendor partnerships.
• Develop sales unit performance reports.
• Ensure merchandise samples are maintained accordingly.

Background and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience in the merchandising or retail industry is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with ERP software systems is a plus.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to follow through with multiple tasks at once.
• Excellent written, verbal, and problem-solving skills with good numerical aptitude.

The Buyer Assistant delivers daily purchasing support within a global company, creating purchase orders for direct and indirect items, expediting open orders, and coordinating supplier management activities that keep production schedules on track. Working closely with the Buyer and supplier network, this role ensures on-time delivery, accurate order reporting, and consistent follow-up on late purchase orders to maintain uninterrupted manufacturing operations.

Operational Focus

• Perform administrative duties within the purchasing environment.
• Create purchase orders for indirect and direct purchased items.
• Ensure on-time delivery of open orders and expedite as needed to support current production schedules.
• Run open order reports and follow up with suppliers on late purchase orders.
• Support and coordinate other purchasing and supplier management activities as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2-3 years of purchasing or expediting experience.
• Experience with MRP and ERP systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to communicate openly with vendors via email and phone and thrive in a fast-paced team environment.

The Buyer Assistant is responsible for placing and monitoring purchase orders for MRO, NPI, and raw material replenishment while supporting RFPs, RFQs, and other administrative tasks that keep supply continuity aligned with production and engineering requirements. Working closely with the Purchasing Manager, Commodity Managers, and engineering and quality assurance teams, this role builds accurate delivery forecasts, maintains master data, and compiles purchasing reports that enable informed procurement decisions.

Performance Expectations

• Create and change purchase orders based on MRP, purchase requisitions, and CAJs.
• Monitor delivery and expedite as necessary to ensure dates and delivery information are current and accurate.
• Recommend safety stock, develop scorecards, and forecast replenishment needs.
• Assist engineering and quality assurance in obtaining specifications, technical data, samples, and potential suppliers for projects.
• Compile, analyze, and report purchasing data to the Purchasing Manager and Commodity Managers.
• Comply with purchasing and company policies, procedures, goals, objectives, and processes.
• Update master data and support active participation in corporate values as outlined in the Corporate Values and Expectations Handbook.

Skills and Qualifications

• CPM certification or related certifications preferred.
• Minimum 6 months of experience in purchasing assistance or related schooling.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standardized office software applications.
• Minimum 40 WPM typing and proficiency with calculators preferred.
• Superior interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills with high-level business ethics.
• Detail-oriented, well-organized, self-starter with a strong commitment to learning and team collaboration.

The Stock Buyer Assistant manages all materials stock for an engineering and manufacturing environment, raising purchase orders through Sage, maintaining supplier relationships, and ensuring delivery notes, invoices, and purchase orders are accurately matched and reconciled. Working closely with key materials suppliers and stakeholders, this role safeguards production continuity by maintaining sufficient stock levels and resolving price, supply, and invoice issues as they arise.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all materials stock using manual and Sage manufacturing tools.
• Order and maintain sufficient stock levels to support production needs.
• Maintain and develop good communications and relationships with key materials suppliers and stakeholders.
• Raise purchase orders using Sage and email to suppliers.
• Match delivery notes with purchase orders and invoices for sign-off and ensure all details are correct.
• Raise any price issues, supply issues, or invoice queries with suppliers.
• Assist with other tasks within the purchasing department when required.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in purchasing or procurement within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Qualification in Business or Administration is desirable.
• PC literacy with experience using MS Office, SAGE, MRP, and CRM.
• Strong negotiation skills, high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and telephone manner.