Purchasing Specialist

About the role

The Purchasing Specialist manages the full purchase order lifecycle, from creation through delivery, to ensure materials and supplies are available to meet operational needs. This role coordinates closely with suppliers, monitors inventory and material availability, and maintains accurate purchasing records and reports. The Purchasing Specialist also supports purchasing leadership with vendor communications, order management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Create, issue, track, and maintain purchase orders in a timely and accurate manner.
• Coordinate with suppliers to confirm order status, lead times, and delivery schedules.
• Process vendor packing slips and receiving documentation, ensuring all records are accurate and properly filed.
• Maintain purchasing records and documentation in accordance with internal standards and audit requirements.
• Monitor material availability and inventory levels, identify potential shortages, and communicate risks and updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on current and future inventory needs to support planning and production requirements.
• Generate and maintain reports such as open order reports, receipts, bookings, inventory summaries, and material planning reports.
• Organize purchasing documentation, quality records, drawings, and sales order files to ensure compliance and audit readiness.
• Support the Head of Purchasing with vendor communications, order management, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including supply chain, inventory control, and operations, to ensure timely delivery of materials and resolve any purchasing issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes, documentation practices, and reporting accuracy.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, inventory control, or a related field.
• Experience creating and managing purchase orders within an ERP or MRP system.
• Strong understanding of vendor documentation, packing slips, and receiving processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools for tracking and analyzing purchasing data.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple purchase orders and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills for effective coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Solid problem-solving abilities to address issues related to orders, deliveries, and inventory discrepancies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environment is preferred.
• Background in purchase order management, including order creation, tracking, and follow-up.
• Experience with vendor and supplier coordination to ensure on-time deliveries and accurate documentation.
• Knowledge of materials planning and inventory tracking practices.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and material management.
• Experience with purchasing reporting and analysis to support decision-making and process improvements.
• Experience in documentation and record management, including quality records, drawings, and sales order files.

Work Environment

This position is fully on-site in an office environment in Fairfield, NJ, with a standard work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfield, NJ.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65,000.00 - $80,000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Company benefits will be provided throughout the screening process and will need to be reviewed before meeting with the candidate.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fairfield, NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.