JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Buyer, Chemicals & MRO supports the Chemicals & MRO Supply Chain team by executing daily purchasing activities to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and MRO supplies. Responsibilities include processing purchase orders, maintaining accurate ERP data, communicating with suppliers, supporting documentation requirements, resolving routine receipt discrepancies, and contributing to continuous improvement of purchasing workflows. The role also assists with new chemical qualification processes through document collection, tracking, and coordination with Quality and Regulatory teams. This is an entry-level position designed to build foundational purchasing capabilities and support long-term development toward managing stable chemical and low-risk commodities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Chemical Purchasing Support: Create and process purchase orders for chemicals based on forecasts and replenishment signals. Maintain accurate supplier details, pricing, and lead times in the ERP system. Conduct routine ETA follow-ups, obtain order confirmations, and escalate risks such as supplier delays or lead time changes.
2. Supplier Communication: Communicate regularly with suppliers to obtain market updates, trend insights, shipment status, and early risk notifications. Support resolution of routine discrepancies including quantity, lot, and documentation issues in partnership with Receiving.
3. Chemical Inventory Management: Run weekly reports including open orders, past-due items, and upcoming receipts. Maintain chemical segmentation trackers (Critical, Stable, Commodity) and update status notes.
4. Documentation & Compliance: Support supplier document compliance for chemicals including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (CoA), specification sheets, and regulatory documentation. Coordinate with Quality and Regulatory teams on document requirements, sample approvals, and supplier change notifications.
5. Chemical Qualification Support: Track sample shipments, request compliance documents from suppliers, maintain tracking logs, and follow up with technical teams on testing and approval progress.
6. MRO Purchasing: Convert approved requisitions into purchase orders, maintain accurate pricing and receipt data, and communicate with requisitioning departments and suppliers to ensure accurate and timely deliveries.
7. Issue Resolution: Resolve routine receipt issues related to MRO items and ensure timely processing of discrepancies.
8. Data Management: Maintain vendor and part information for MRO and chemical SKUs in the ERP system, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with purchasing standards.
9. Cross-functional Collaboration: Coordinate effectively with internal partners including Production, Receiving, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to support operational needs and ensure continuity of supply.
10. Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives aimed at improving purchasing accuracy, documentation quality, supplier reliability, and process discipline.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assume and perform other duties and responsibilities as may be required by the Supervisor, Chemicals & MRO Supply Chain.
2. Support Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and adhere to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete corresponding training.
3. Continuously learn the intricacies of the Chemicals & MRO supply chain and apply those learnings to daily activities.
4. Maintain organized documentation and ensure timely updates in all purchasing systems and trackers.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
1. Bachelor’s degree preferred (Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Chemistry, or related field).
2. 0–2 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, operations, or a similar role.
3. Exposure to manufacturing, chemicals, or regulated materials is a plus.
4. Experience with SAP or a similar ERP system preferred.
5. APICS CSCP certification is beneficial.
6. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with functions such as VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, filters, and pivot tables is helpful.
7. Ability to analyze basic supply and demand patterns.
8. Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
9. Ability to prepare accurate and complete documentation.
10. Strong written communication skills for clear interaction with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
11. Effective relationship-building skills with internal and external partners.
12. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
13. Ability to work independently on concurrent tasks.
14. Self-directed with a bias toward action.
15. Ability to learn new systems and technology quickly.
16. Discreet with confidential information.
17. Willing to accept other duties as necessary.
18. Compliance with Company policies.
Diverse Experiences
Blistex is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Blistex is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age or any other legally protected status.
Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become the best in our industry. You will find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship, career opportunities and development opportunities to help you become a better professional and/or leader.
Compensation
The base pay for this position ranges from $55,000 to $67,000. Pay is based on a number of factors including job related knowledge, skills and experience. The job role is eligible for a discretionary bonus that may be provided as part of a total compensation package.
Benefits
As part of the total compensation package a full range of benefits are offered including medical coverage, insurance, and financial benefits. For more information, please visit https://blistexinc.com/employee-benefits/.