Purchasing SpecialistAbout Mobile Loaves & FishesMobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) is a social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless since 1998. Founded in Austin, Texas, the organization serves its homeless neighbors through three core programs: Truck Ministry, Community First! Village, and Community Works. Often referred to as the most talked about neighborhood in Austin, Community First! Village is a 51-acre master planned development that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. We are now embarking on a new phase of community expansion, adding more than 1400 new neighbors over the next 5-10 years.About the RoleThe Purchasing Assistant is an integral part of the Site Operations Team. The Purchasing Assistant will work to complete and maintain purchase orders for raw goods, materials, and supplies. The Purchasing Assistant will work closely with specific teams to gather and submit orders. Purchasing Assistant will support all three MLF Site locations. Daily travel between sites in support of various MLF Site Operations programs and MLF teams is required.This is a full-time hourly non-exempt, entry-level position reporting to the Purchasing & Logistics Manager. Due to the nature and requirements of the position, hours are flexible to fit needs, but typically include 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Some nights and weekends may be required. The Purchasing Assistant will office at Community First! Village located at 9116 Hog Eye Road, Austin, TX 78724.Duties & ResponsibilitiesPurchase goods and services according to policies and proceduresUtilizes and maintains the Inventory Management System in support of various MLF teams operational needsFrequent travel in the Austin area to meet with vendors and personnel to procure and deliver supplies as necessary between various MLF locationsEnsures accuracy, timeliness, and condition of deliveriesReceives and coordinates deliveries of supplies and equipment orderedCoordinate with Site Operations teams to maintain inventory levels and identify purchasing needsAssists with other tasks for the Purchasing & Logistics team as neededAssist in evaluating vendors based on price, reliability, capability, and previous transaction historyAssist in organizing MLF warehouses and other storage areasCommunicate and coordinate with Site Operations Teams regarding delivery schedulesMaintain clean vehicle and work areasManage inventory of supplies and equipment for various MLF teamsMaintains pricing histories and other vendor recordsSubmit receipts timely and accurately according to established proceduresCompliance with Health & Safety initiativesOther Duties & Responsibilities as neededKnowledge, Skills, Abilities & PrinciplesMLF is a faith-based organization whose ideals and philosophy come directly from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As an organization, we strive to reflect this precept in our communications, both internally and externally. Commitment to serving those who have experienced homelessness and personal alignment with MLF's vision, mission, core values, and goals.High school diploma or equivalentMinimum 1-2 years equivalent work experience preferredWorking knowledge of commonly used construction materials and supplies, including electrical, plumbing and lumberPrior experience on telehandler or forklift a plusCourteous driving skills and a clean driving record preferredAbility to read tape measure and use basic hand and power toolsAbility to clearly communicate and update across various departmentsExperience with an inventory management system is a plusWorking knowledge of Microsoft Office and preferredSelf-starter who takes a proactive approach to workOrganized and detail-orientedMust have a valid driver's licenseWork Environment & Physical DemandsAbility to frequently lift and move up to 80lbs. Ability to move around all phases of the property.Ability to work in all weather conditions. Able to be offsite roughly 50% of workday. Company vehicle provided. BenefitsDay one 100% Employer paid, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD & LTD InsuranceGenerous Paid Time Off & Holiday PayMatching 401(k) Retirement PlanCorporate Discount ProgramProfessional Development OpportunitiesEmployee Assistance ProgramPaid Parental LeaveWellness Partnership BenefitsMLF VISIONWe empower communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless.MLF MISSIONWe provide food and clothing, cultivate community, and promote dignity to our homeless brothers and sisters in need.GOALSTransform the way people view the stereotype of those who find themselves homelessReconnect the homeless to self, family and communityHelp the chronically homeless rediscover and utilize their God-given talents to do purposeful workConnect human to human, heart to heart through the fellowship of food and hospitalityInspire people into a lifestyle of abundance by giving their best firstBELIEF STATEMENTSThe vision is supported by belief statements centered on our belief that homelessness is the result of a profound, catastrophic loss of family:God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed lifeBy virtue of being created by God in His image, we are all called to live in community and relationship with Him through each otherThe family is the original cell of social lifeYou shall love your neighbor as yourselfAll members of the human family are equal in dignityThe Lord God took the man and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and care for it. Gen 2:15CORE VALUESMLF is committed to fostering a culture that prioritizes relational connection. We believe there is opportunity in every aspect of our work to be relational in a highly transactional world. In this culture, transactions are means to relational ends, not the other way around.This begins with the countercultural love poured out by Jesus Christ and grows as imperfect individuals strive to show this love to each other human-to-human, heart-to-heart.Each individual's openness to the journey of their own personal growth is essential in building our relational culture, and we believe this culture flourishes as we each continuously strive to more fully embody these four core values:Faith: We define Faith as the foundational belief that our world and all our work belong to God. This allows us to engage our work with joy and lightheartedness, knowing that we are not ultimately in control.Humility: We define Humility as rightly viewing oneself as a single piece of a grander story. This humility leads to a view of oneself that is neither too high nor too low.Generous Spirit: We define a Generous Spirit as a readiness to give more grace, mercy, and hospitality than is necessary or expected. This posture allows us to see others for who they are, not what they do.Integrity: We define Integrity as a wholehearted commitment to doing right by God, ourselves, and others. This wholeheartedness shows itself in consistently choosing honesty, responsibility and ownership in all actions and decisions.This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.MLF is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen based on ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetics, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in accordance with federal and state law.