Purchasing/Buyer Assistant

Purchasing/Buyer AssistantThe Purchasing/Buyer Assistant supports the purchasing function by acquiring materials, equipment, and supplies needed to keep production schedules running efficiently and on time. This role collaborates closely with Production and Engineering teams, evaluates and negotiates supplier quotations, and helps manage supplier relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and timely delivery of products and services. The position also assists with preparing and reviewing contracts, bids, proposals, and supplier agreements, and is responsible for issuing and reviewing purchase orders in accordance with company policies and standards.ResponsibilitiesPurchase materials, equipment, and supplies to ensure production schedules are met efficiently and on time.Work closely with Production and Engineering departments to expedite materials as needed to meet their requirements.Evaluate supplier quotations using appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure optimal quality, price, delivery, and service.Research, select, and maintain suppliers that provide high-quality products and services at competitive prices while adhering to ethical standards for cost-effective operation.Assist with preparing and reviewing contracts, bids, proposals, and supplier agreements to confirm legal correctness, pricing accuracy, and acceptable item specifications.Prepare and issue purchase orders and review requisitions to ensure completeness and accuracy.Review purchase order claims and contracts to confirm conformance with company policies and procedures.Communicate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders by phone and email to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and follow up on orders.Maintain organized records of purchasing activities, supplier information, and contract documentation using Microsoft Office tools.Essential Skills1 to 2 years of purchasing experience, including administrative support in a purchasing environment.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tracking, analyzing, and reporting purchasing data.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for documentation, communication, and record keeping.Strong phone communication skills to interact effectively with suppliers and internal departments.Ability to apply basic negotiation and purchasing techniques when evaluating supplier quotations.Attention to detail when preparing and reviewing purchase orders, contracts, bids, proposals, and supplier agreements.Ability to work collaboratively with Production and Engineering departments to meet material and scheduling requirements.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience reviewing contracts and purchase order claims for compliance with company policies.Familiarity with ethical purchasing practices and cost-effective supplier selection.Ability to prioritize and expedite materials to meet changing production needs.Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate purchasing and supplier records.Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.Work EnvironmentThis role follows a 9/80 work schedule, typically working from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on alternating Fridays. The position operates in a professional office and production-support environment, using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications as primary tools for documentation, communication, and data management. The work involves frequent interaction with Production and Engineering teams, as well as regular phone and email communication with suppliers to coordinate orders and deliveries.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashburn, VA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/hr. 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. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment.

Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision; Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital; 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available; Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents); Short and long-term disability; Health Spending Account (HSA); Transportation benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Ashburn, VA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.