Purchasing Associate

Job DetailsJob Location: Mary L Duffie Building Corporate - West Columbia, SC 29170General Purpose 

The Purchasing Associate supports the daily operations of the Purchasing Department by assisting with daily data entry for purchasing activities, receiving and documenting goods, maintaining accurate records and supporting inventory and distribution processes. This position helps ensure that supplies and services are ordered, tracked and delivered efficiently while maintaining accurate purchasing, receipt and inventory documentation in support of organizational operations. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide daily administrative support to the Purchasing Supervisor and the Purchasing Department.
Assist with routine purchasing tasks, documentation, and data entry
Receive and document goods shipped directly to the Purchasing Department
Distribute purchased items to appropriate departments as needed
Assist with retail-based purchases when required
Enter receipts and maintain purchasing records within software systems and spreadsheets
Maintain and update Excel spreadsheets related to pricing, inventory, and vendor information
Assist with maintaining vendor records and pricing histories
Help ensure purchasing documents are complete and accurate
Support customer service interactions with vendors, Babcock Center departments, and employees
Assist with scheduling deliveries of furniture and other items with vendors
Help maintain the Purchasing Department stock room in an organized manner
Assist with household kit program ordering, including compiling orders and verifying inventory
Support inventory counts and other inventory-related tasks as needed
Help communicate and resolve routine purchasing questions between Purchasing and Account Payable
Monitor and restock breakroom supplies
Preform other related duties as assigned

 QualificationsQualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Efficient computer skills, including experience with Outlook, and Word
Intermediate experience/skill level in Excel preferred; beginner level required
Comfortable with data entry and maintain electronic records
Good customer service and interpersonal skills
Ability to work cooperatively with multiple departments
Valid driver’s license required
Ability to lift up to 40 Lbs. and perform routine physical tasks as needed
Ability to perform repetitive tasks and occasional physical work indoors and outdoors
Purchasing experience preferred but not required

Working Conditions

Works in well-lighted and well-ventilated office area. Sits, stands, and walks during workday. Subject to working relationships with all employees of Babcock Center and other program staff.

Relationships and Contacts with Others 

The Purchasing Associate must maintain a professional working relationship with internal and external customers.

Typical Physical Demand  

Sitting, standing, bending, stooping and reaching. Frequent lifting. Manuel dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines. Normal range of hearing and vision.

Typical Mental Demands:  

Must be able to deal with stress associated with fast-paced work environment and multi-tasking. Formulate decisions and act upon them. Adapt to changing work situations. Grasp and apply new ideas. Communicate with various personalities at all levels. Maintain confidentiality of all sensitive information.

Hazards/Potential Hazards:

Cleaning chemicals, ergonomic hazards: static postures, repetitive motion, trip hazards such as file drawers and electrical wires.