Junior Buyer

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Review approved purchase requests and ERP or MRP purchasing recommendations with the Purchasing Supervisor. Confirm item numbers, quantities, units of measure, required dates, and purchasing instructions before processing. Prepare and issue purchase orders within assigned authority using approved suppliers, pricing, and terms. Obtain required approvals before making commitments. Obtain supplier acknowledgments and verify quantities, prices, delivery dates, and shipping details against purchase orders. Resolve routine discrepancies and escalate exceptions. Monitor open purchase orders, overdue deliveries, and expected receipts. Follow up with suppliers and communicate shortages, delays, or changed delivery commitments promptly. Maintain accurate ERP purchase order status, approved revisions, item references, supplier contacts, and related records. Retain quotations, confirmations, and purchasing correspondence. Request routine quotations and gather supplier information as directed. Compare pricing, lead times, minimum quantities, and freight information for review by the supervisor or Senior Buyer. Coordinate with Planning and Inventory personnel on material needs and inventory availability. Flag potential shortages, excess quantities, or changes in demand before placing or expediting orders. Work with Receiving and Accounts Payable to resolve routine differences among purchase orders, receipts, and invoices. Gather supporting records and route price or payment exceptions for approval. Assist with supplier returns, replacement orders, and credits for damaged or incorrect materials. Coordinate quality concerns with the designated Quality or Technical contact. Track inbound shipment information and required supplier documents as assigned. Notify Receiving of delivery changes or special handling information provided through approved channels. Prepare routine open-order and purchasing reports. Help maintain purchasing files, delivery records, and assigned inventory information. Follow up on assigned actions, maintain professional supplier communication, and suggest practical improvements to purchasing accuracy and turnaround time. Qualifications and Skills High school diploma or GED required. A degree or coursework in supply chain, business, finance, or a related field is preferred. Interest in purchasing and manufacturing operations. Administrative, order entry, inventory, or supplier service experience is helpful; willingness to learn purchasing procedures is essential. Ability to read purchase requests and order documents, calculate quantities and pricing, recognize discrepancies, and maintain accurate records. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and related office tools; ability to learn ERP or MRP purchasing functions. Strong organization, attention to detail, written and verbal communication, and follow-up skills. Ability to manage frequent interruptions and work cooperatively across departments. Decision Authority Process routine purchases and resolve order issues within established instructions and delegated limits. Escalate new suppliers, unapproved prices or terms, material substitutions, significant order changes, and urgent supply risks. The Purchasing Supervisor retains work prioritization and approval responsibilities. Technical, Quality, EHS, Finance, and other designated functions retain their required approvals. Performance Expectations Performance is evaluated on purchase order accuracy, current ERP records, timely supplier follow-up, prompt reporting of delays, complete documentation, and progress in developing purchasing skills. Safety and Work Practices Follow company safety, quality, confidentiality, and purchasing policies. Use approved suppliers and purchasing controls, protect supplier and company information, and maintain accurate records. Follow required PPE and site access procedures when entering any hazardous areas. Physical Requirements and Work Environment Work is primarily office based with frequent computer use, telephone and email communication, document review, and coordination with internal and external contacts. Duties may include walking through manufacturing and warehouse areas and handling documents or supplies weighing up to 15 pounds using appropriate assistance as needed. Attendance and Availability Regular, in-person attendance at the assigned work location is an essential function of this role. Support required meetings, supplier follow-up, and reasonable schedule flexibility for business needs. Perform other related duties as assigned. U.S. Paint is an equal opportunity employer. To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.