Buyer

Job Title: Junior Buyer – Entry Level

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Chester, SC

Summary

The Junior Buyer – Entry Level provides administrative and purchasing support to the Purchasing Department at Giti Tire Manufacturing. This position assists with processing purchase orders, obtaining vendor quotations, tracking deliveries, maintaining supplier records, and ensuring accurate purchasing documentation.

The Junior Buyer works closely with experienced buyers, suppliers, vendors, and internal departments to support the timely purchasing of materials, supplies, equipment, and services needed for daily operations.

The ideal candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, dependable, and eager to learn purchasing and procurement processes within a manufacturing environment. This is an entry-level position with training provided and opportunities to develop skills in purchasing, supplier management, inventory control, and supply chain operations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing, entering, and processing purchase requisitions and purchase orders.
• Support daily purchasing activities to ensure materials, supplies, and equipment are ordered accurately and on time.
• Request and collect vendor quotations for review and comparison.
• Assist with comparing supplier pricing, product availability, and delivery schedules.
• Communicate with vendors and suppliers regarding order confirmations, pricing, product availability, and delivery updates.
• Track purchase orders and follow up with suppliers regarding outstanding orders and expected delivery dates.
• Assist with expediting orders when necessary to support operational needs.
• Enter, update, and maintain vendor and supplier information within company purchasing and ERP systems.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing information, purchase orders, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with monitoring inventory levels and identifying materials or supplies that may need to be reordered.
• Work with Receiving, Accounting, and Finance to help identify and resolve discrepancies involving purchase orders, invoices, and deliveries.
• Assist with verifying purchasing documentation, including invoices, packing slips, and proof of delivery (POD).
• Prepare and update purchasing spreadsheets, reports, and tracking documents as requested.
• Organize and respond to purchasing-related emails and vendor communications in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with researching potential suppliers and gathering information for vendor evaluations.
• Support purchasing activities involving domestic and international suppliers as needed.
• Assist with reviewing shipping and import documentation when applicable, with appropriate training and guidance.
• Learn and follow company purchasing policies, approval processes, and departmental procedures.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Finance, Accounting, Receiving, Maintenance, Engineering, and other departments to support daily operations.
• Maintain confidentiality of supplier pricing, purchasing records, and company financial information.
• Identify purchasing discrepancies and communicate concerns to the appropriate team member or supervisor.
• Participate in departmental training and continuous improvement activities.
• Follow all established company and departmental policies, procedures, work instructions, and safety and environmental guidelines.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy, accountability, professionalism, and job performance.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when entering and reviewing information.
• Basic mathematical skills, including the ability to compare prices, calculate quantities, and review numerical information.
• Basic to intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn computerized purchasing, inventory management, and ERP systems.
• Good data entry skills with the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to review purchase orders, quotations, invoices, and other purchasing documents.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to ask questions and seek guidance when needed.
• Ability to communicate professionally with vendors, suppliers, coworkers, and management.
• Ability to prioritize daily responsibilities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow established procedures and complete assigned tasks accurately.
• Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities while also contributing to a team environment.
• Willingness to learn purchasing processes, inventory management, and supplier coordination.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel formulas, spreadsheets, and data tracking is a plus.
• Experience with 10-key data entry is preferred but not required.
• Previous exposure to ERP systems, purchasing software, or inventory systems is a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of international purchasing or shipping documentation is a plus but not required.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or coursework in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Accounting, or a related field preferred but not required.
• No previous purchasing or procurement experience required. Training will be provided.
• Previous experience in an administrative, customer service, data entry, inventory, warehouse, or office support role is a plus.
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment is preferred but not required.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook preferred.
• Experience entering data, maintaining records, or working with computerized systems is beneficial.
• Interest in developing a career in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management is preferred.