Purchasing Specialist

Ahaus is a $25M+ tooling, engineering, and custom automation firm with a family-first work environment where company culture is central. Our team of 100+ has an average tenure of 10+ years, with several employees exceeding 40 years. We offer flexible start times, generous paid time off, paid holidays, employee recognition, volunteer events, company outings, and shared hobbies. We value long-term career growth and a supportive atmosphere.

About the role

The Procurement Assistant partners with suppliers and internal teams to ensure materials and services are purchased accurately, delivered on time, and aligned with production schedules.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and prepares print packages for outsourced manufacturing activities.
• Manages the purchase requisition process to ensure timely procurement of materials and services.
• Prepares and distributes Requests for Quotation (RFQ) packages to qualified vendors.
• Compiles, summarizes, and organizes vendor quotations to support purchasing decisions.
• Communicates with vendors to confirm purchase orders and ensure order accuracy.
• Monitors, confirms, and expedites vendor deliveries to support production schedules.
• Maintains the vendor database by entering and updating supplier information, capabilities, and searchable keywords.
• Communicates with Ahaus team members regarding the status of outsourced components and job orders.
• Generates and distributes purchasing, outsourcing, and job-related reports for management.
• Performs electronic and paper filing, document management, and data entry with accuracy.
• Assists with receiving and verifying outsourced components as needed.
• Provides general administrative, telephone, and reception support.
• Performs all job duties in a safe manner, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Champions and models Ahaus’ core values in daily actions and decision-making.
• Fosters a respectful, accountable, and collaborative team environment.
• Exhibits regular and predictable attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in business, supply chain management, operations, or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3-5+ years of experience in an administrative purchasing, manufacturing, or supply chain support role.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Epicor or similar manufacturing software.
• Experience processing purchase orders, maintaining supplier information, or coordinating inventory replenishment.
• Knowledge of purchasing, inventory control, or supply chain principles.
• Experience working with engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), or manufactured components.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel functions such as sorting, filtering, pivot tables, and VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP.
• Strong customer service mindset with both internal and external customers.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong follow-up skills and sense of urgency.
• Ability to prioritize changing workloads with minimal supervision.
• Effective negotiation and vendor communication skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a willingness to identify process efficiencies.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in a professional office environment with frequent interaction throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Regularly communicates with suppliers, team members, and other departments via phone, email, and in person.
• May be exposed to typical manufacturing conditions including noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures when visiting production areas.
• Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands for computer and office equipment operation throughout the workday.
• Requires frequent use of a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and carry office materials or packages weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and safety-toed footwear, is required when entering designated production areas.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Benefits

• Great wages
• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employee recognition and incentives
• Volunteer and outreach events
• Employee breakfasts and barbeques
• Pitch-ins, summer games, and company outings
• Shared hobbies and team activities

Schedule

Flexible start times, Monday through Friday.