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Assistant Purchasing Agent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Assist in marketing and bill-back programs. • Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers. • Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with ...

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Buyer/Purchasing Assistance

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Request routine quotes and product information from approved vendors. * Assist with resolving basic discrepancies involving purchase orders, packing slips, invoices, quantities, or pricing.

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Warehouse & Administrative Assistant

El Dorado Hills, CA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... coordinator assistant. This position supports the warehouse, purchasing and operations staff ... Working with Purchasing Agent and Operations staff to identify more efficient ways to accomplish ...

New

Yard Clerk

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Stock inventory in the proper warehouse locations * Assist the Purchasing Agent with inventory control * Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse * Assist customers by loading materials into ...

Yard Clerk

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Stock inventory in the proper warehouse locations * Assist the Purchasing Agent with inventory control * Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse * Assist customers by loading materials into ...

Senior FF&E Designer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

What you can expect in a Senior FF&E Designer Role at BAMO: * Assist in the development of project ... Serve as principal contact for the purchasing agent * Understands the BAMO design aesthetic ...

Yard Clerk

Sebastopol, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Stock inventory in the proper warehouse locations * Assist the Purchasing Agent with inventory control * Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse * Assist customers by loading materials into ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Purchasing Agent information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$59.7K

$95.2K

How much do assistant purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant purchasing agent in California is $59,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $68,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant purchasing agent do?

An Assistant Purchasing Agent helps manage the procurement of goods and services for an organization. They assist in sourcing suppliers, requesting quotes, preparing purchase orders, and tracking deliveries. Their role often includes maintaining records, ensuring compliance with company policies, and supporting the main purchasing agent in negotiations. This position requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure cost-effective and timely procurement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant purchasing agent?

To thrive as an Assistant Purchasing Agent, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and sometimes certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are common requirements. Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills help build vendor relationships and manage multiple priorities. These competencies ensure efficient purchasing processes, cost savings, and reliable supply chains for the organization.

What is the difference between Assistant Purchasing Agent vs Purchasing Agent?

AspectAssistant Purchasing AgentPurchasing Agent
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma; often some certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentSupports purchasing team, administrative tasksLeads procurement, negotiates with suppliers
ResponsibilitiesAssists in order processing, data entrySources suppliers, negotiates contracts

The Assistant Purchasing Agent typically supports the purchasing team with administrative tasks and order processing, while the Purchasing Agent takes on more responsibility for sourcing suppliers and negotiating contracts. The roles are closely related, with the assistant position often serving as a stepping stone to the purchasing agent role.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant purchasing agents and how can they be managed?

Assistant Purchasing Agents often encounter challenges such as managing multiple supplier relationships, ensuring timely delivery of goods, and balancing cost efficiency with quality standards. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication with vendors and internal teams is essential. Utilizing procurement software and regularly updating order tracking can help prevent delays and errors, while ongoing training supports effective negotiation and problem-solving skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing Agent jobs in California?

The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Purchasing Agent jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Purchasing Agent job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Purchasing Agent job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,672 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

$20 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Focus:
Buy products for resale to customers at the retail and/or foodservice level, including both durable and non-durable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price and quality of products and more to determine value. Select, order and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. 

Description of Work Place:
This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinet. 

Description of Job Tasks:
•    Represent company in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
•    Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
•    Assist in marketing and bill-back programs.
•    Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
•    Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness. 
•    Recommend mark-up rates, markdown rates, or merchandise selling prices.
•    Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
•    Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
•    Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate customer buying patterns and determine what the company will sell and how much inventory is needed.
•    Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
•    Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
•    Participate in sales meetings to introduce new merchandise.

Physical Requirements/Environment:
•    Requires prolonged sitting 
•    Requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.
•    Must comply with department dress code.

Qualifications for Job:
•    High School diploma or GED equivalent
•    Passed Pre-employment Physical and Drug Test
•    Basic Math, Computer and Analytical skills

Safety Clothing/Equipment:
•    Optional Back brace and other safety equipment available at employee request. 
•    Must comply with department dress code

Tools Used: 
General clerical items; including computer, phone, copier, fax machine, windows based programs like Microsoft Office and Swarmbox.