A procurement assistant supports the procurement or purchasing department by handling administrative tasks, managing supplier relationships, monitoring inventory levels, creating and processing purchase orders, and maintaining accurate procurement records[1].
Key Responsibilities:
- Research and identify potential suppliers and vendors[1].
- Obtain price quotations and negotiate terms and conditions (often under guidance in entry-level roles)[1].
- Maintain a comprehensive supplier database[1].
- Create and process purchase orders, monitor order status, and track deliveries to ensure on-time receipt[3].
- Communicate and coordinate with suppliers to resolve issues, discuss delivery schedules, and maintain positive supplier relationships[3].
- Monitor and update inventory and conduct regular stock counts[1].
- Maintain accurate and organized procurement records[1].
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify procurement needs and ensure requirements are met[5].
- Assist with evaluating supplier performance, cost analysis, compliance with procurement policies, and process improvements[1].
- Provide general administrative support to the procurement team[1].
Key Skills and Qualifications:
- Verbal and written communication skills, essential for coordination and negotiation[2].
- Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records[2].
- Analytical and critical thinking to compare vendors and make purchasing decisions[2].
- Basic math skills for price comparison and order monitoring[2].
- Time management to prioritize and complete procurement activities efficiently[2].
- Technical proficiency in office software, spreadsheets, and procurement management tools[7].
- Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and document management[6].
Common Performance Metrics (KPIs):
- Data accuracy in procurement records and systems[1].
- Response and purchase order cycle times[1].
- Supplier relationship index and cost savings achieved[1].
- Compliance rate with company policies[1].
- Inventory turnover rate and purchase order accuracy[1].
- Procurement process efficiency[1].
References
- [1] Procurement Assistant — Everything You Should Know
- [2] Learn About Skills Needed To Become a Purchasing Assistant
- [3] What Does a Procurement Assistant Do? (With Salary and Skills)
- [5] Procurement Assistant Job Description Template
- [6] Procurement Assistant Must-Have Resume Skills and Keywords
- [7] 5 Procurement Assistant Job Description Templates and Samples