Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Manitowoc, WI (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Purchasing Assistant

Job Description

The Purchasing Assistant supports the strategic use of organizational resources in acquiring products and services. This role helps maintain supply quality and consistency while contributing to cost reduction and overall procurement efficiency. You will work closely with supply chain, engineering, production, and customer service teams to ensure timely and accurate purchasing activities that enable reliable product delivery.

Responsibilities

• Monitor outstanding purchase orders and proactively follow up on scheduled deliveries to ensure on-time receipt of materials and services.
• Assist in onboarding new vendors by completing required documentation and ensuring accurate and complete vendor profiles.
• Analyze material requirements planning (MRP) data to support timely creation of purchase orders and alignment with production needs.
• Help draft requests for quotation (RFQs) and support the identification of optimal procurement strategies that balance cost, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Input and maintain procurement data in the system, including vendor information, order details, pricing, confirmations, and inventory updates.
• Oversee supplier communications through the designated portal, respond to delivery inquiries, provide scheduling updates, and escalate issues to procurement staff and leadership when necessary.
• Coordinate with engineering to establish new item codes, define specifications, and support vendor selection for new or revised materials.
• Participate in supplier negotiations when needed, considering cost efficiency, legal compliance, and contractual terms.
• Use supply chain and procurement reports to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement in purchasing activities.
• Document and manage product rejections, communicate findings to vendors and internal teams, and arrange appropriate handling or disposition of defective items.
• Act as a communication bridge among production, engineering, customer service, and related operations to support prompt and accurate product delivery.
• Collaborate closely with team members to proactively identify and resolve procurement and supply chain challenges.
• Support cost optimization initiatives through careful review of pricing, terms, and supplier performance.
• Contribute to accurate reporting and data entry using Excel and ERP systems to maintain reliable purchasing and inventory records.

Essential Skills

• 1–3 years of relevant experience in procurement, purchasing, or closely related supply chain operations.
• Associate degree in supply chain, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience with purchasing processes, purchase orders, and buyer or purchasing responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for data entry and reporting.
• Experience with asset management software and ERP systems, such as SAP or similar platforms.
• Strong data entry and data management skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Understanding of procurement and supply chain operations, including MRP and vendor management.
• Ability to read, interpret, and use supply chain reports to support decision-making.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functions, including production, engineering, and customer service.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively address procurement and supply chain issues.
• Negotiation skills with a focus on cost optimization and favorable terms.
• Basic arithmetic skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, for accurate pricing and quantity calculations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to global supply chain or international procurement environments.
• Experience with contract negotiations and reviewing contractual terms with suppliers.
• Reporting and analysis related to purchasing, inventory, or supply chain performance.
• Familiarity with supply chain concepts such as material requirements planning (MRP), cost optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with evolving project demands.
• Interest in professional growth within procurement and supply chain, including participation in long-term projects that generate new business opportunities.

Work Environment

This role is 100% onsite in an office environment with moderate noise levels. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, with typical shifts from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position primarily involves office-based work using computers, ERP systems, asset management software, and Microsoft Office tools. Occasional trips to manufacturing areas are required to coordinate with operations and review materials or processes. The environment supports growth through long-term projects that bring in new business and create opportunities for professional development.

This is a Contract position based out of Sheboygan Falls, WI.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Sheboygan Falls,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.