Job Title: Purchasing Assistant

Job Description

The Purchasing Assistant supports the purchasing team by accurately entering and maintaining purchasing data in the ERP system, coordinating with vendors, and providing administrative support to ensure timely and efficient procurement activities.

Responsibilities

• Accurately enter purchase orders, vendor information, pricing, and other purchasing data into the ERP system.
• Update and maintain vendor records and purchasing documentation in both electronic and paper formats.
• Follow up with vendors via email and telephone regarding order acknowledgments, order confirmations, shipping status, delivery dates, pricing discrepancies, and missing documentation.
• Respond to routine vendor inquiries and escalate more complex issues to purchasing staff or leadership as appropriate.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper purchasing files to ensure easy retrieval and audit readiness.
• Assist with expediting open purchase orders to support production schedules and minimize delays.
• Prepare reports and spreadsheets as requested to support purchasing analysis and decision-making.
• Work closely with the purchasing team to ensure timely and accurate processing of purchasing transactions.
• Maintain confidentiality of supplier pricing and sensitive company information at all times.
• Perform other related administrative duties as assigned to support the purchasing function.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous office, administrative, purchasing, or data entry experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience with ERP or purchasing software preferred.
• Strong data entry skills with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is a plus.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in purchase order processing, procurement, or purchasing support.
• Experience providing administrative support in a business or manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and purchasing workflows.
• Vendor management experience, including communicating with suppliers and tracking orders.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including creating and updating spreadsheets.
• Comfort working with SAP or other ERP platforms is an advantage.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a purchasing team and cross-functional departments.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role in a manufacturing-oriented office environment, with standard hours Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position involves frequent computer use, including ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications, regular phone and email communication with vendors, and close collaboration with the purchasing team. The work setting is structured and deadline-driven, requiring consistent attention to detail and organization throughout the day.

This is a Contract position based out of Windsor Mill, MD.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Windsor Mill,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 2026.

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 rec