What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Assistant position at Simmons Prepared Foods?
Purpose of the Position
Supports plant purchasing activities by expediting and maintaining the flow of purchasing paperwork and purchasing items as assigned. Responsible for purchasing ingredients, packaging and other items as needed for two business units in the Purchasing Agent’s absence, Simmons Feed Ingredients Dry Facility Southwest City, MO and Simmons Feed Ingredients Wet Facility, Siloam Springs, AR.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - This is a Salary Non-Exempt position.
Expedites and maintains purchasing paperwork. Ensures vendors have accurate purchase orders, reviewing reports daily to verify vendor confirmations with correct pricing information and delivery dates. Analyzes certificates as needed. Expedites all paperwork in an appropriate time frame. Enters receipts into system. Coordinates warehouse transfers as directed.
Purchases assigned items. Determines supplies to be ordered. Creates purchase orders for assigned items which may include office supplies, boxes or employee store items.
Trains as backup for Purchasing Agent. Stays familiar with purchasing specs and processes for plant operations. Is responsible for purchasing ingredients, packaging and other items as needed in the Purchasing Agent’s absence.
Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.
Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.
Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment, office environment, and surrounding property.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility
Travel: Occasionally supports supplier audits, oftentimes requiring overnight stays.
Technical Experience: 1 year experience in Inventory Management or Quality Assurance . Must have basic computer experience. Preference for basic understanding of Excel. Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.
Industry Experience: Preference for manufacturing or food processing organization.
Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Competencies:
Customer Focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
Organizing: Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done; can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; arranges information and files in a useful manner.
Composure: Is cool under pressure; does not become defensive or irritated when times are tough; is considered mature; can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; doesn’t show frustration when resisted or blocked; is a settling influence in a crisis.
Conflict Management: Steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities; reads situations quickly; good at focused listening; can hammer out tough agreements and settle disputes equitably; can find common ground and get cooperation with minimum noise.
Action-Oriented: Enjoys working hard; is action oriented and full of energy for the things he/she sees as challenging; not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning; seizes more opportunities than others.
For immediate consideration of hourly production positions located in the area from Fort Smith, AR to Van
Buren, AR please apply in person Monday thru Friday, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm at:
Simmons Foods Hiring Center
4900 Rogers Ave, Suite 103-D
Fort Smith, AR 72903
In person applications at our Hiring Center receive priority consideration. You may still apply for positions
online; however please note that positions may be filled at our Hiring Center before our online
applications are reviewed.
