Junior Buyer

COMPANY SUMMARY SPATCO Energy Solutions has been the leader in the fueling infrastructure industry since 1935. We provide a complete line of equipment and services for storing, pumping, mixing and metering petroleum and industrial liquids. We offer turnkey development of retail and commercial facilities, as well as custom design and build capabilities. Our customers come from a variety of industries including retail fueling stations, commercial and government fleets, and EV charging infrastructure. Operating across the Southeast and South-Central United States with a dedicated training facility in North Carolina, we are committed to top-notch customer service and are recruiting professionals who share that commitment to excellence and can help take our growth to the next level. JOB SUMMARY The Junior Buyer supports senior purchasing staff with vendor research and quote requests while independently handling routine, low-risk buys under supervision. Working under the direction of the Procurement Manager or a Senior Buyer, this role processes requisitions and purchase orders, expedites back orders, and begins developing vendor relationships and negotiation skills on smaller, lower-risk spend categories. It is the developmental bridge between administrative support and the independent buying responsibilities of a Purchasing Agent. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Assist Senior Buyers and the Procurement Manager with vendor research, supplier comparisons, and requesting basic quotes. Independently process requisitions and create purchase orders for routine, low-risk, standard-stock categories under supervision, clarifying specifications as needed. Follow up on back orders, expedite delivery, and keep the requesting department updated on expected delivery dates. Maintain and update existing orders with any necessary revisions. Place orders with established vendors against approved pricing and contracts. Assist with the evaluation of vendor performance under guidance. Maintain the digital filing system on pricing and vendors; distribute pricing updates to the sales team. Assist with SAP item maintenance, including material creation, description updates, and pricing, as directed. Work with Accounts Payable to resolve discrepancies between purchase orders and vendor invoices. Handle purchase orders for assigned low-risk categories up to [$X] without secondary approval. Assist the Procurement Manager and Senior Buyers with the auditing and processing of physical inventories for central and branch warehouses. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or GED required; coursework in business or supply chain a plus. 1–2 years of purchasing, administrative, or related experience (SPATCO Purchasing Assistant experience qualifies). Working knowledge of Microsoft Office; aptitude for ERP/purchasing software. Good decision-making skills and the ability to work in a detailed, organized manner under supervision. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Hands-on SAP experience; familiarity with SharePoint and multi-site operations. Progress toward a purchasing certification (e.g., CPP) encouraged. TO ADVANCE TO PURCHASING AGENT Consistent, independent processing of standard purchase orders with minimal supervision. Demonstrated competence in expediting, vendor follow-up, and SAP item maintenance. Beginning command of negotiation and vendor evaluation; typically 2+ years of buying experience.