Purchasing Assistant

Job Description

Job Title: Purchasing Assistant

Job Description

The Purchasing Assistant supports the purchasing function by accurately processing purchase requisitions, obtaining vendor quotes, resolving invoice and shipping discrepancies, and maintaining up-to-date cost information in the purchasing system. This role works closely with accounting and shipping teams, prepares regular purchasing reports, and contributes to efficient and cost-effective procurement operations.

Responsibilities

Update, verify, modify, and complete purchase requisitions by comparing requested items to actual demand, minimum requirements, and usage trends.

Obtain competitive quotes from vendors and suppliers to support purchasing decisions.

Resolve invoice discrepancies and shipping issues directly with vendors in a timely and professional manner.

Collaborate closely with the accounting department to address billing, pricing, and payment-related questions.

Work with the shipping department to resolve delivery, quantity, and logistics discrepancies.

Complete assigned weekly and daily purchasing reports, such as cost change reports, unacknowledged purchase orders, open purchase order reports, and stock analysis.

Help maintain accurate and current system costs in the P21 system.

Perform accurate data entry for purchasing and inventory records, ensuring completeness and correctness of information.

Apply basic math skills to validate quantities, pricing, and totals on purchase documents.

Communicate clearly and professionally in written and verbal form with internal teams and external vendors.Essential Skills

Strong attention to detail with accurate data entry skills.

Basic math skills for validating quantities, pricing, and totals.

Basic reading skills to interpret purchase requisitions, quotes, and related documents.

Proficient use of proper English grammar in both written and verbal communication.

Ability to use Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word in daily work.

Intermediate-level Microsoft Excel experience, including working with spreadsheets and data.

Ability to work collaboratively with accounting, shipping, and other internal departments.

Capability to handle invoice and shipping discrepancies in a professional and organized manner.Additional Skills & Qualifications

6+ months of purchasing experience is preferred.

Experience working in a distribution or manufacturing environment is preferred.

Demonstrated teamwork, showing reliability and cooperation with colleagues.

Proven productivity and ability to manage multiple tasks and reports efficiently.

Track record of accuracy in handling data, documents, and system updates.

Professionalism in interactions with vendors and internal stakeholders.

Ability and desire to quickly learn new processes, tools, and systems, including purchasing platforms like P21.Work Environment

The Purchasing Assistant works in an office-based environment, using computers and standard office software such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word throughout the day. The role involves frequent interaction with accounting and shipping teams, as well as regular communication with external vendors and suppliers by email and phone. Work typically follows standard business hours, with daily and weekly reporting deadlines that require good time management and organization. The position uses the P21 system to maintain and update purchasing and cost information, and operates within a structured distribution or manufacturing-oriented setting where accuracy, professionalism, and collaboration are highly valued.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/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)Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026.

About Aston Carter:

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® double diamond 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 for other accommodation options.