Associate Purchasing Specialist

About the role

Executes transactional purchasing activities to procure materials, equipment, and services at optimal prices and terms to support organizational needs. Operates within the corporate purchasing function to issue and manage purchase orders, collect and compare supplier quotes, and maintain accurate purchasing documentation and systems. Applies working knowledge of company products and operations to align buys with schedules; expedites orders and troubleshoots routine issues under guidance. Supports RFx events, vendor onboarding, and maintenance of sourcing lists and data. What You'll Do Create, release, and track purchase orders; ensure pricing, terms, and delivery dates are accurate in ERP/eProcurement systems. Solicit and compare quotes; perform basic price analyses; recommend award decisions within established thresholds. Coordinate with planning, operations, engineering, and finance to confirm requirements, specifications, and timing. Maintain supplier and item master data, approved supplier lists, and purchasing records; ensure policy compliance. Monitor order status; expedite or de-expedite as needed; resolve routine discrepancies (price, quantity, delivery). Prepare routine reports, charts, and metrics (e.g., spend summaries, open order status, OTD) and support audits. Assist in supplier relationship management by communicating order requirements and performance feedback. Other duties and responsibilities as determined by TAI from time to time in its sole discretion - no percentage assigned. What You Need Associate's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or related field. Bachelor's degree preferred. 0-2 years of purchasing, supply chain, or operations experience; internships or co-ops a plus. Basic understanding of purchasing processes, quotes, and terms; exposure to ERP/MRP preferred. Proficiency with Excel and basic data analysis. Knowledge: Purchasing fundamentals, RFQs, basic contract and commercial terms, inventory basics, ERP/MRP concepts. Skills: Attention to detail, organization, time management, numerical accuracy, basic negotiation, clear written and verbal communication. Abilities: Follow standard procedures, manage multiple PO lines and deadlines, collaborate cross-functionally, learn commodity and market basics, maintain accurate records and documentation. Travel Less than 10% Our company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer! It is the policy and commitment of the company to maintain a work environment that provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all its employees and applicants. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital/domestic partner status, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other applicable lawfully protected basis. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. We seek to employ individuals qualified for a position by virtue of job-related educational standards, training, experience, and personal qualifications.