Purchasing Assistant

Purchasing Assistant – Job Description

Organization

If innovation, creativity and a focus on customers is in your DNA, you will fit in well at Kerr. We are pioneers and innovators in the automotive upfitting industry. Our specialty is modifying brand new vehicles into police and emergency vehicles. In fact, we upfit more police vehicles than any other company in North America and we continue to focus on growing our business. Founded in 1952, Kerr Industries has a strong North American presence with operations located in Dallas, Chicago, Detroit and Oshawa. We want motivated, ambitious people who put the needs of our customers first, bring creativity to their work and will do whatever it takes to achieve success. For more information, please visit www.kerrindustries.com.

Position

We are looking to add a new Purchasing Assistant to our growing team. If you are interested in working in a fast-paced environment where you will be exposed to all aspects of the purchasing process, then this is the career for you.  We are searching for a skilled and detail-oriented individual who is ready to deliver high-quality, efficient work but is also willing to be taught new skills.  The Purchasing Assistant will be responsible for a wide variety of functions critical to the continued success and effectiveness of the business’ materials group. 

 Responsibilities and Duties

• Manage domestic and international purchase requests by processing purchase orders, overseeing deliveries, and verifying transactions.
• Continuously review requirements to ensure data accuracy and alignment with business needs.
• Issue Requests for Quotes/Proposals (RFQ/RFP), selecting suppliers based on cost, quality, and delivery criteria.
• Build and maintain effective, ethical relationships with suppliers while upholding high standards of professionalism.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain Liaison to address shipment discrepancies, such as over-shipments, delivery shortages, and pricing changes.
• Serve as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal departments to resolve procurement-related issues.
• Coordinate with the QA team on supplier non-conformances.
• Authorize purchase payments by reviewing invoices and related documentation.
• Ensure inventory levels are maintained in line with management targets.
• Maintain accurate stock information in the ERP system, including lead times, pricing, supplier details, and purchase order data.
• Collaborate with engineering, production schedulers, and production managers to resolve inventory issues and support optimal production.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Compensation and other Benefits

• $45,000 to $55,000 Per Year
• Salary is commensurate with experience. Includes Health, Dental, and Vision benefits and paid vacation.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Familiarity with MRP systems and demand-pull scheduling practices is highly desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents and drawings is a plus.
• Proven ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, and perform well under pressure.
• Interest or experience in the automotive and/or law enforcement industries is preferred.
• Post-secondary education is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sourcing, supply chain management is strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrates a high level of motivation, the ability to handle various tasks efficiently, and unwavering dedication to achieving goals and contributing to the team's success.
• Proven ability to work independently under pressure while managing multiple tasks.
• Problem-solving skills with a solid work ethic.
• Proficient in ERP systems and experienced in analyzing data from multiple sources, including SharePoint and Microsoft NAV.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, especially in Excel.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, with a demonstrated initiative in driving projects to completion.
• Strong proficiency in both verbal and written English communication.

 Kerr Industries is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We expect every member of the Kerr community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.

Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, or terminating are made fairly, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.