Purchasing Support Associate

The Purchasing Support Associate works under immediate supervision of the Supervisor, Purchasing Support from detailed verbal and written instructions. The Purchasing Support Associate provides entry level support to Sales and the Purchasing Teams by facilitating requests via both electronic cases and telephone-based inquiries. In this capacity, the Associate provides Sales with the first line of support regarding a specific array of Supply Chain issues. The Associate receives training as available to increase knowledge and productivity.

• Assists with first level responses to both telephone and electronic requests sent to the Purchasing Support Contact Center related to the following case topics and responsibilities per knowledge level:
  
  
  
  • Provides price and availability on new or existing product, license or service offerings.
  • Researches and provides information on orders containing items with overdue ETAs.
  • Facilitates “Request to Stock” inquiries for customer roll outs or “in stock” web offerings.
  • Facilitates SKU Cancellation Request.
  • Requests and provides information on rejected PO's and discontinued SKUs.
  • Provides general order entry and fulfillment support to Sales Account Managers (AM’s) as needed.
  
  
  
  
• Receives individual and group training as available to increase knowledge and productivity.
• Attends and participates in formal departmental meetings and row-based Team discussions.
• Performs all other duties or special projects as assigned.

• Basic computer knowledge with ability to operate keyboard for data entry.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite with ability to create a document or simple spreadsheet.
• A command of JDE keying procedures as well as the use of related sales tools.
• Familiarity with our Vendor Partners’ web portals as well as our internal product availability tools.
• Customer-oriented, with ability to listen to and anticipate needs of the customer.
• A general understanding of business philosophies and supporting procedures.
• A general understanding of supply-chain logic, processes, and the goals they support.
• Negotiation skills with ability to ensure best possible agreements and service to internal and external customers.
• Adaptable with ability to switch tasks based on shifting priorities.
• Analytical with ability to draw conclusions from data, systematic and rational.
• Detail oriented with item-by-item focus, meticulous attention to detail with ability to proofread for accuracy.
• Judgment with ability to formulate opinions, compare and decide with good sense.
• Articulate with ability to express oneself clearly and professionally in written and oral communication.
• Good listening skills with ability to receive information completely and understand what is being said.
• Good social skills with ability to build professional relationships with internal Connection departments and our external Vendor and Distribution partners.
• Good problem-solving skills with ability to identify and prevent errors or delays.