Purchasing Assistant Jobs for OPT Students

About Company:

Odessa Separator is a West Texas–based manufacturing company proudly serving the oil and gas industry with high-quality separation equipment and solutions. Built on hard work, craftsmanship, and integrity, we specialize in designing and manufacturing reliable products that help our customers operate safely, efficiently, and confidently in demanding environments.

But what truly sets Odessa Separator apart is our people.

We believe great companies are built by teams who take pride in their work, look out for one another, and show up every day committed to doing things the right way. Safety, accountability, and respect are not just words here. They guide how we work, how we lead, and how we treat one another.

At Odessa Separator, you’ll find a hands-on, team-oriented environment where contributions matter and effort is recognized. We value continuous improvement, personal growth, and taking ownership of the work we do. Whether you are on the shop floor, in the yard, or supporting operations behind the scenes, your role plays a direct part in our success.

We are proud to be part of the Permian Basin community and are committed to providing stable careers, competitive benefits, and opportunities for long-term growth.

If you’re looking for more than just a job and want to be part of a team that values craftsmanship, safety, and people, we invite you to explore opportunities with Odessa Separator.

About the Role:

The Purchasing Assistant plays a critical role in supporting the accounting and manufacturing department by ensuring the timely and accurate acquisition of goods and services necessary for business operations. This position involves coordinating with suppliers, managing purchase orders, and maintaining records to facilitate smooth purchasing processes. The Purchasing Assistant works closely with internal teams to understand their needs and helps negotiate terms to achieve cost-effective solutions. By monitoring inventory levels and supplier performance, the role contributes to minimizing delays and optimizing supply chain efficiency. Ultimately, the Purchasing Assistant helps maintain strong vendor relationships and supports the overall financial health of the organization through diligent purchasing practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred.
• Basic understanding of purchasing and procurement processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with procurement or inventory management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Previous experience in a purchasing or administrative support role.
• Knowledge of supply chain principles and vendor management.
• Ability to analyze data to support purchasing decisions.
• Familiarity with contract terms and negotiation techniques.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in processing purchase orders and ensuring accuracy in documentation and approvals.
• Communicate with suppliers to obtain quotes, confirm order details, and track deliveries.
• Maintain organized records of purchases, pricing, and supplier information for reporting and auditing purposes.
• Collaborate with internal departments to understand purchasing needs and provide timely support.
• Monitor inventory levels and alert the procurement team to potential shortages or delays.
• Support the negotiation process by gathering relevant data and preparing comparison reports.
• Help resolve discrepancies in invoices, deliveries, and purchase orders in coordination with suppliers and finance teams.

Skills:

The Purchasing Assistant utilizes strong organizational and communication skills daily to coordinate between suppliers and internal teams, ensuring that purchase orders are accurate and delivered on time. Proficiency in software tools like Microsoft Excel enables efficient tracking and reporting of purchasing data, which supports decision-making and inventory management. Attention to detail is critical when reviewing purchase orders and invoices to prevent errors and discrepancies. Analytical skills help in comparing supplier quotes and monitoring vendor performance to contribute to cost savings and process improvements. Additionally, interpersonal skills facilitate effective collaboration with vendors and colleagues, fostering positive relationships that benefit the procurement process.