Purchasing Assistant

The Purchasing Assistant – R&D & Production Support supports Super Color Digital’s ongoing research and development efforts while providing day-to-day purchasing and Purchase Order support.

Research & Development is a primary function of this position. The Purchasing Assistant will actively research new materials, products, vendors, equipment, and production solutions for our large-format printing and manufacturing operations. This includes obtaining samples and technical information, coordinating product testing with Production teams, documenting results, comparing materials, and helping identify solutions that improve quality, efficiency, availability, capabilities, and cost.

The position works closely with vendors and internal departments to evaluate substrates, inks, adhesives, laminates, tapes, fabrication materials, display components, finishing products, and other materials used throughout production.

In addition to R&D responsibilities, this position supports the purchasing process by creating Purchase Orders, obtaining vendor quotes, tracking orders and deliveries, maintaining purchasing records, and communicating with vendors regarding pricing and availability.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, curious, and comfortable working in both an administrative and hands-on production environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Research & Development – Primary Function

• Research new materials, products, equipment, vendors, and production solutions for large-format printing, finishing, fabrication, signage, and display applications.

• Research and evaluate rigid and flexible substrates used in large-format print production.

• Evaluate inks, coatings, adhesives, tapes, laminates, mounting materials, finishing products, and fabrication materials.

• Research materials and components used for displays, signage, LED applications, experiential graphics, and custom fabrication projects.

• Contact vendors to obtain samples, technical specifications, pricing, lead times, and product availability.

• Coordinate testing of new materials and products on company production equipment.

• Work directly with Printing, Cutting, Finishing, Fabrication, Prepress, and other Production departments during product testing.

• Document testing results, including print quality, color performance, adhesion, durability, finishing compatibility, fabrication requirements, and overall production performance.

• Compare potential products against existing materials based on quality, performance, cost, availability, and ease of production.

• Research alternative products and vendors when existing materials are discontinued, unavailable, experiencing extended lead times, or have significant price increases.

• Help identify cost-saving opportunities without negatively impacting product quality or production performance.

• Maintain organized records of tested and approved materials, specifications, vendor information, pricing, samples, and test results.

• Follow R&D projects from the initial request through research, sampling, testing, approval, purchasing, and implementation.

• Assist Production teams with researching solutions to recurring material, equipment, or manufacturing challenges.

• Stay informed about new products, materials, technologies, equipment, and production methods within the large-format printing and graphics industry.

Purchasing & Purchase Order Support

• Create and process Purchase Orders for materials, supplies, samples, equipment, and other approved purchases.

• Obtain vendor quotes and compare pricing, availability, lead times, and product specifications.

• Verify vendor pricing, quantities, SKUs/item numbers, shipping information, and other PO details for accuracy.

• Submit Purchase Orders to vendors and confirm order acceptance.

• Track open Purchase Orders and follow up with vendors regarding expected delivery dates.

• Communicate with vendors regarding backorders, shortages, substitutions, price changes, and delivery delays.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supporting documentation.

• Assist with resolving discrepancies between Purchase Orders, receiving documentation, and vendor invoices.

• Maintain accurate vendor, product, pricing, and SKU information within the company's ERP/purchasing system.

• Coordinate with Purchasing, Receiving, Accounting, R&D, Production, and other departments regarding order status and material needs.

• Assist with additional purchasing and administrative responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, R&D support, manufacturing, printing, production, inventory, or a related environment preferred.

• Experience in large-format printing, signage, graphics, fabrication, or manufacturing strongly preferred.

• Experience creating or processing Purchase Orders preferred.

• Experience communicating with vendors and obtaining quotes, samples, pricing, and technical product information.

• Familiarity with substrates, inks, adhesives, laminates, finishing products, fabrication materials, or other production materials is a plus.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to research products and compare specifications, pricing, availability, and performance.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and consistently follow through on open items.

• Basic to intermediate Microsoft Excel skills.

• Experience with ERP, purchasing, or inventory management systems preferred.

• Experience with PrintIQ or similar print-management software is a plus.

• Comfortable communicating and working directly with Production teams in a manufacturing environment.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Research & Development support

• Product and material research

• Vendor sourcing and communication

• Purchase Order processing

• Material testing and evaluation

• Large-format print and production knowledge

• Cost and product comparison

• Vendor quote management

• Strong organization and documentation

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Hands-on problem solving

• Production-focused mindset

• Cross-department collaboration

• Ability to manage multiple priorities

• Initiative and curiosity

• Follow-through and accountability

Success in This Role

Success in this position requires someone who understands that purchasing is more than simply placing orders. A major part of this role is helping Super Color Digital research and identify the right products and materials before they are purchased and implemented into production.

The ideal candidate enjoys researching a new substrate, adhesive, laminate, or production material; contacting vendors for samples and technical information; comparing pricing and specifications; coordinating a production test; documenting the results; and then supporting the purchasing process once the product is approved.

A material must do more than look good on paper—it needs to print, cut, route, laminate, mount, fabricate, finish, ship, install, and perform as expected for the customer's application.

The Purchasing Assistant will serve as an important connection between R&D, Purchasing, vendors, and Production, helping Super Color Digital continually improve its materials, processes, product capabilities, quality, availability, and overall cost effectiveness.