Purchasing Associate II

Who We Are

West Coast Magnetics is a world-leading custom manufacturer of precision electronic components used in the medical and aerospace industries. For over 30 years, our mission is to meet or exceed our customer's expectations for product conformance to specification, on-time delivery, service, and value through continuous improvement of the Quality Management System.

We have an immediate opening for a PURCHASING ASSOCIATE II.

Basic Function

The function of the Purchasing Associate II is to quote accurate price and delivery on materials, order and expedite materials and maintain records of such, edit and release work orders, and handle RMA/DMR/MRD and MRP processes, be familiar with all purchasing department processes and draft work instructions as needed, and train other purchasing department employees.

The Purchasing Associate II is a key member of the purchasing team, responsible for obtaining cost-effective, timely materials and supplies, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring smooth operation of purchasing processes. Once trained, this role holds a broad range of responsibilities and decision-making authority in support of efficient and effective purchasing functions.

Reporting Relationships

Authority

Once trained, the Purchasing Assistant II has the authority to:

• Contact vendors for quotes and determine best pricing and availability.
• Place purchase orders (approval levels set by the Purchasing Manager).
• Expedite purchase order (PO) items as needed.
• Manage RMA, DMR, MRD, and MRP processes.
• Perform accurate data entry of physical counts, transfers, issues, adjustments, and receipts.
• Document detailed purchase order receipt information.
• Edit and release work orders and enter material status updates.
• Generate necessary purchasing documentation (POs, DMRs, packing slips, etc.).
• Execute specialized ERP tasks including ERP Merges, Rebuild Sort Files, Work Order Purge, and MRP Generation.
• Train new or existing employees on purchasing processes (with Purchasing Manager's consent).
• Draft Work Instructions for management review and approval.

Responsibility

The Purchasing Assistant II has the responsibility to do the following:

1. Secure optimal pricing and shipping for materials and supplies.
2. Create and maintain accurate quote spreadsheets, including pricing and delivery timelines.
3. Ensure materials are ordered from reliable vendors with competitive pricing.
4. Process and manage work orders accurately.
5. Identify and correct (or escalate) any inaccuracies.
6. Follow procedures for handling returns and discrepancies.
7. Enter receipt information accurately in both ERP system and Excel PO copies.
8. Maintain a high standard of data accuracy in all entries.
9. Expedite materials as necessary and clearly document all expedite activity.
10. Maintain organized and complete purchasing records.
11. Support the Purchasing Manager with specialized ERP processes and other tasks.
12. Provide training and workstation setup support to new team members.
13. Fully understand and execute all standard purchasing processes as outlined in training guides and reference materials.
14. Communicate with vendors for quoting and purchasing activities.
15. Process and manage all aspects of work orders and returns.
16. Perform data entry related to inventory, receipts, and material movement.
17. Ensure accurate documentation and file maintenance.
18. Adhere to all WCM purchasing and operational procedures.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate documentation quickly.
• Experience with WCM procedures or in a purchasing/office environment preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience at WCM.
• Demonstrated high-level performance and reliability.
• Fluency in WCM ERP system functions.
• Ability to train others on purchasing processes.