Purchasing Specialists in Clearwater, Florida at DOUGLAS MACHINES CORP

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for providing administrative and transactional support to the Purchasing Department by processing purchase orders, maintaining supplier records, tracking deliveries, and ensuring the timely procurement of materials, supplies, and services necessary to support manufacturing operations. This position works closely with vendors and internal departments to ensure accurate purchasing records and uninterrupted production.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Create, issue, and process purchase orders in the ERP/MRP system.
• Verify purchase requisitions for completeness and accuracy.
• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers regarding order status and delivery dates.
• Update purchasing records, supplier information, and pricing in the ERP system.
• Maintain accurate files for purchase orders, contracts, and vendor documentation.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order confirmations, and shipping schedules.
• Resolve discrepancies involving purchase orders, invoices, shipments, and receiving documentation.
• Request quotes from vendors for materials, equipment, and services.
• Assist in evaluating supplier performance regarding quality, cost, and delivery.
• Monitor inventory levels and notify buyers of materials requiring replenishment.
• Assist with inventory cycle counts and reconciliation activities.
• Coordinate with Receiving to resolve shortages, damaged materials, or incorrect shipments.
• Support efforts to minimize stock shortages and excess inventory.
Qualifications/Training/Experience
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of purchasing, procurement, inventory, or administrative experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using ERP/MRP software is preferred.
• Experience working with suppliers and purchase orders is desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Basic understanding of purchasing and inventory management principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as Epicor, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar.
• Strong mathematical and data entry skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Professional customer service and vendor relationship skills.