JOB EMPHASIS AND PURPOSE:

The Purchasing Intern provides paid, part-time support to the Purchasing function by assisting with order tracking, purchase order processing, supplier communication, documentation, regulatory paperwork, and inventory record keeping. This role is intended for an entry-level candidate or college student seeking practical experience in procurement and manufacturing supply chain operations. Responsibilities are performed under the guidance and direction of the Purchasing Manager. The internship also includes a hands-on corrugated packaging optimization project, giving the intern the opportunity to contribute to packaging consolidation, material reduction, supplier analysis, and potential cost savings.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Order Follow-Up:

• Track orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
• Communicate changes in deliveries to impacted parties, including but not limited to Customer Facing, Operations, and Scheduling.
• Assist in resolving issues related to delayed or incomplete orders promptly to minimize the impact on production and customer orders.

2. Supplier Support:

• Assist in fostering and maintaining positive supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply chains, including participation in meetings as requested.

3. Purchase Order and Documentation Support:

• Process and file all purchasing-related paperwork, including purchase orders, invoices, packing slips, and related documentation.
• Write and issue purchase orders under the guidance and direction of the Purchasing Manager.

4. Quality Documentation:

• Coordinate with Quality as needed to gather required regulatory documentation from suppliers.

5. Inventory Support:

• Participate in inventory audits and cycle counts as needed.
• Assist with inventory level record keeping.

6. Internship Project - Corrugated Packaging Optimization:

• Support a hands-on cost savings and process improvement project focused on reviewing the company's corrugated packaging program.
• Analyze current corrugated usage to identify opportunities to consolidate packaging, reduce excess material, and right-size specifications, including ECT rating and single-wall versus double-wall construction where appropriate.
• Compare current and potential suppliers to help identify savings opportunities while maintaining product protection, quality, compliance, and customer requirements.
• Document findings and assist in presenting practical recommendations to Purchasing and cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications / Expectations:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed coursework in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience in purchasing, manufacturing, inventory, data entry, customer service, or office administration is helpful but not required.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook and Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Ability to communicate professionally with internal teams and suppliers.
• Willingness to learn purchasing processes, supplier documentation requirements, and manufacturing supply chain operations.
• Interest in supply chain, packaging, process improvement, cost savings, and data-driven problem solving.
• Ability to take direction, ask questions when needed, and work both independently and as part of a team.

Working Hours / Environment

• This is a paid, part-time internship generally expected to average 24-28 hours per week. Schedule and duration are flexible and will be determined based on business needs and the intern's availability.
• Work is typically performed in an office setting during normal business hours, with occasional time in manufacturing or inventory areas as needed.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long periods of time.
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment.
• Light lifting and carrying supplies, files, etc.
• Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person.
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around the office environment.
• Additional Mental Requirements: compare, organize, communicate, problem solve, follow instructions, and interpret basic information.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move around in a manufacturing environment as needed.

FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT

SUPERVISOR: Purchasing Manager

SUPERVISES: N/A

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required. This job description should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. Furthermore, the employer reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Atkins & Pearce is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We encourage all people to apply regardless of age, gender, gender expression or criminal conviction history.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Atkins & Pearce makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.