Purchasing Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

The Purchasing Associate supports the Supply Chain & Purchasing Team in the day-to-day flow of goods through the SFSPCA's supply chain. The primary focus of this role is the sorting and distribution of internal inbound packages, paired with accurate and timely maintenance of digital inventory records. The Purchasing Associate is detail-oriented and reliable, with a working understanding that physical and digital inventory must stay synchronized to keep operations running smoothly.

This is a part time position with 2 days per week for a total of 16 hours per week. 

Core Responsibilities

Package Sorting and Internal Distribution

• Sort all inbound packages upon receipt; identify and separate organizational deliveries from personal staff packages, and route each appropriately.
• Label and stage sorted packages accurately before distribution; verify contents against packing slips when required.
• Deliver sorted supplies to the correct supply closets and storage locations across campus on a consistent, scheduled basis.
• Communicate promptly to staff regarding delivery status; escalate discrepancies, damaged goods, or missing items to the Warehouse Associate or Purchasing Agent.

Digital Inventory Maintenance

• Update supply closet digital twin records in NetSuite and supporting spreadsheets each time stock is added, moved, or depleted; physical and digital inventory must stay synchronized.
• Conduct scheduled cycle counts of supply closet stock across campus locations; reconcile physical counts against system records and report discrepancies promptly.
• Flag low stock, expiring product, and slow-moving items identified during closet counts to the Warehouse Associate or Purchasing Agent.
• Ensure supply closets are organized, clearly labeled, and stocked according to established par locations and storage guidelines.
• Support proper rotation of stock (FIFO) and assist in the removal and appropriate handling of expired or discontinued product.

Safety and Workspace Standards

• Follow all OSHA and organizational safety guidelines; use appropriate personal protective equipment and proper lifting techniques at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area; follow pest and rodent control protocols and contribute to the overall cleanliness of campus storage spaces.
• Report safety hazards, near misses, or compliance concerns immediately to protect staff, volunteers, clients, and animals.

Client Service and Communication

• Provide courteous and responsive service to internal staff requesting supplies or asking about delivery status.
• Maintain good working relationships throughout the organization; collaborate with teammates and show dependability through consistent, reliable follow-through.

Communication, Documentation, and Process Support

• Assist in maintaining accurate receiving logs and supply closet inventory records; support the filing and organization of documentation as directed.
• Follow established SOPs for all routine tasks; flag gaps or inconsistencies to the Warehouse Associate or Purchasing Agent.
• Ability to take on additional ad hoc tasks as needed in a dynamic, evolving work environment.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior experience in a warehouse, retail stocking, or logistics support role is a plus but not required; willingness to learn and reliability are the priority.
• Previous animal hospital, shelter, or veterinary environment experience a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, especially when updating inventory records to reflect physical stock.
• Reliable and self-directed; able to follow established routines and flag issues without needing close supervision on every task.
• Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable providing brief, accurate status updates to teammates and internal customers.
• Basic computer proficiency; comfort entering and updating data in spreadsheets and learning new systems (NetSuite training provided).
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the San Francisco SPCA.

Salary & Benefits 

The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $26-$29 per hour.  

The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.