Buyer Intern

Description

NPX ONE is a manufacturing organization that produces polystyrene trays and operates in a fast-paced production environment. The company relies on an effective purchasing function to ensure raw materials, production supplies, and maintenance items are available to support continuous operations.

The Buyer Intern work-based learning program is designed to provide hands-on experience in purchasing and supply chain operations within a manufacturing setting. The intern will support day-to-day procurement activities while gaining exposure to inventory management, vendor coordination, and cross-functional collaboration.

The intern will be supervised by the Plant Accountant, who will provide daily guidance, task prioritization, and ongoing performance feedback. Training will consist of structured, on-the-job instruction in purchasing processes, including purchase order creation, inventory monitoring, and discrepancy resolution. The intern will also receive cross-functional exposure and informal training from Receiving, Production, and Maintenance team members to better understand material flow and operational needs.

Mentorship will be provided by experienced professionals, with opportunities to shadow team members, ask questions, and receive coaching on communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Learning goals for the intern include:

1. Understanding the purchase order lifecycle and procurement processes
2. Developing basic inventory monitoring and supply planning skills
3. Learning how to communicate with vendors and internal stakeholders
4. Building problem-solving skills by identifying and assisting with discrepancies
5. Gaining exposure to supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment

Responsibilities

The Buyer Intern will be assigned meaningful, hands-on tasks that support real business operations while emphasizing learning and development. Responsibilities will include:

1. Assisting with creation and tracking of purchase orders for raw materials and maintenance supplies
2. Monitoring inventory levels and helping identify replenishment needs
3. Supporting vendor communication to confirm pricing, delivery dates, and order details
4. Assisting in resolving discrepancies related to pricing, quantities, or delivery issues
5. Coordinating with receiving, production, and maintenance teams on material needs and timing
6. Tracking delivery schedules and updating expected receipt dates in purchasing systems
7. Supporting monthly service tracking and purchase order follow-up activities
8. The intern may also assist with documentation and recordkeeping related to purchasing, but administrative tasks will be limited to less than 25% of total responsibilities. The majority of the role focuses on active participation in purchasing operations and skill development.

Qualifications

This internship is designed for individuals seeking their first professional experience in supply chain or business operations. Required qualifications include:

1. Currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or a related field
2. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
3. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
4. Effective written and verbal communication skills
5. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
6. Willingness to learn and take direction in a fast-paced setting
7. No prior purchasing or professional experience is required. This role is intended to provide foundational exposure to the field.

Learning Objectives

The Buyer Intern will work toward the following measurable learning outcomes:

1. Procurement Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of the purchase order lifecycle, including creation, tracking, and completion
2. Inventory Awareness: Assist in monitoring inventory levels and explain how purchasing decisions impact production and operations
3. Vendor Coordination: Participate in vendor communication and understand basic supplier relationships and expectations
4. Problem-Solving: Identify and assist in resolving common purchasing discrepancies (pricing, quantity, delivery timing)
5. Systems Proficiency: Gain working knowledge of purchasing and/or ERP systems used for order management and tracking
6. Professional Skills: Develop communication, time management, and organizational skills through participation in daily operations and cross-functional collaboration

Contact Information