Purchasing Assistant

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and organized Entry-Level Purchasing Assistant to join our plumbing and HVAC team. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, dependable, and interested in developing a career in purchasing, construction, or the mechanical trades.

The Purchasing Assistant will support the purchasing team with ordering materials and equipment, obtaining pricing, communicating with vendors, tracking deliveries, maintaining purchase records, and assisting Project Managers and field personnel with their material needs.

No previous plumbing or HVAC experience is required. We are willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with purchasing plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal, and related construction materials and supplies.
• Prepare and process purchase orders under the direction of the Purchasing Manager.
• Obtain pricing and availability from vendors and compare quotes.
• Communicate with vendors regarding orders, pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Track outstanding purchase orders and follow up on delayed or incomplete orders.
• Coordinate material deliveries to jobsites and/or the company warehouse.
• Confirm that materials received match the purchase order and packing slip.
• Assist with resolving shortages, damaged materials, incorrect items, and other purchasing issues.
• Enter purchasing information accurately into company software and spreadsheets.
• Maintain organized purchasing records, invoices, packing slips, and vendor documentation.
• Assist Project Managers, Foremen, and field employees with material requests.
• Help identify commonly used materials and maintain familiarity with plumbing and HVAC products.
• Assist with maintaining inventory levels and identifying materials that need to be reordered.
• Request and organize vendor quotes for projects.
• Assist in researching alternative products when materials are unavailable or have extended lead times.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Follow company purchasing procedures and obtain required approvals before placing orders.
• Perform general administrative and clerical duties as needed to support the Purchasing Manager.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous purchasing, administrative, construction, plumbing, HVAC, or warehouse experience is helpful but not required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable communicating with vendors and coworkers by phone and email.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to learn new software and company systems.
• Ability to prioritize multiple requests and meet deadlines.
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn the plumbing and HVAC industry.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a construction, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, or similar environment.
• Familiarity with construction materials or product terminology.
• Experience with purchase orders, inventory, invoices, or vendor communications.
• Experience using Excel or construction/project-management software.

Skills & Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Detail-oriented – able to catch incorrect quantities, prices, part numbers, and delivery information.
• Organized – able to keep multiple purchase orders and requests moving at the same time.
• Proactive – follows up on outstanding orders rather than waiting for problems to arise.
• A good communicator – comfortable working with vendors, Project Managers, Foremen, and office staff.
• A quick learner – willing to learn plumbing and HVAC terminology, materials, and purchasing procedures.
• Dependable – understands that material availability can directly affect jobsite productivity and schedules.
• Team-oriented – works cooperatively with the Purchasing, Operations, Project Management, and Field teams.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based, with occasional visits to the warehouse or jobsites.
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move lightweight materials, boxes, files, or supplies.
• Ability to walk through warehouse or jobsite areas as required.

Why Join Us?

We are looking for someone who wants to learn and grow with the company. While industry experience is helpful, attitude, reliability, organization, and attention to detail are equally important. We will provide training on our purchasing processes, software, vendors, and plumbing/HVAC materials.

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person