Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Service, Inc. (VSI) is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Purchasing Clerk to join our Purchasing team. This position provides administrative and operational support to the department and plays an important role in maintaining accurate purchasing, product, and vendor information.

The Purchasing Clerk will assist with purchase order maintenance, product setup and updates, backorder tracking, vendor communication, reporting, and general department administration. This role works closely with Purchasing Agents, internal departments, and vendor partners to support timely and efficient purchasing operations.

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an individual interested in developing experience in purchasing, inventory management, supply chain operations, and vendor relations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor the Purchasing department's general email inbox, respond to routine inquiries, and route requests to the appropriate Purchasing Agent or manager as needed.
• Review purchase order confirmations and accurately update estimated delivery dates and other relevant order information within VSI systems.
• Monitor manufacturer backorders and maintain current product availability information.
• Communicate relevant product availability, backorder, and expected arrival information to Purchasing Agents.
• Provide administrative and data-entry support to Purchasing Agents, including:
  • New product setup
  • Product stocking status updates
  • Minor pricing updates
  • Product description maintenance
  • Open purchase order reporting
• Place orders for assigned products with established vendors in accordance with approved purchasing strategies and management direction.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of purchasing requests, correspondence, and supporting documentation.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with vendors, coworkers, management, and other internal departments.
• Follow established Purchasing department policies, procedures, and processes.
• Complete assigned responsibilities accurately and within established timelines.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Support additional Purchasing department projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, professionalism, and a willingness to learn.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional and courteous communication when interacting with vendors, coworkers, and internal departments.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and interruptions while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong computer and data-entry skills with the ability to learn internal systems and applications.
• Basic problem-solving skills and the ability to recognize when an issue requires escalation.
• Proficiency with basic mathematical functions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals.
• General office and administrative skills, including email correspondence, document management, data entry, reporting, filing, and copying.
• Typing proficiency of approximately 45–50 words per minute.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, responsibilities, and business needs.
• Ability to meet established deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability and willingness to comply with Company policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Ability to work overtime as business needs require.
• Ability to travel up to 10% annually, including occasional in-state and out-of-state travel and attendance at Company- or vendor-sponsored trade shows.

The physical requirements described below are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position:

• Regularly communicates with vendors, suppliers, coworkers, management, and other business partners by telephone, email, and in person.
• Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Requires frequent use of hands and fingers for computer and keyboard work.
• Involves extended periods of sitting at a workstation.
• May periodically require standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
• Requires the ability to lift approximately 25–30 pounds.
• Requires visual abilities necessary for computer and general office work, including close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Is generally performed in an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• May require travel of up to 10% annually.

The Purchasing Clerk position provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in purchasing, inventory management, supply chain operations, product administration, and vendor relations while working alongside an experienced Purchasing team.

VSI is looking for a dependable, detail-oriented professional who takes pride in accurate work, communicates effectively, and is interested in developing a strong foundation in purchasing and supply chain operations.