2

Entry Level Procurement Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview Sylvamo's Global Sourcing Associate Program is an entry-level program with a Procurement Operations focus. It is designed to give associates exposure to Sylvamo's procurement ...

Position Overview Sylvamo's Global Sourcing Associate Program is an entry-level program with a Procurement Operations focus. It is designed to give associates exposure to Sylvamo's procurement ...

Position Overview Sylvamo's Global Sourcing Associate Program is an entry-level program with a Procurement Operations focus. It is designed to give associates exposure to Sylvamo's procurement ...

Position Overview Sylvamo's Global Sourcing Associate Program is an entry-level program with a Procurement Operations focus. It is designed to give associates exposure to Sylvamo's procurement ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Procurement information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$14

$29

$49

How much do entry level procurement jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level procurement in Columbia, SC is $29.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.26 and $33.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level procurement job?

Entry level procurement jobs are positions for individuals who are new to the field of procurement or purchasing. These roles typically involve assisting with purchasing goods and services for an organization, managing vendor relationships, processing orders, and maintaining records. Entry level procurement professionals often work under the supervision of experienced buyers or procurement managers and develop skills in negotiation, supply chain management, and contract administration. These jobs provide a foundation for career growth within supply chain and procurement fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level procurement professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Procurement professional, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of supply chain or business operations, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software (like SAP or Oracle), Microsoft Excel, and possibly introductory certifications such as the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is valuable. Effective communication, negotiation abilities, and organizational skills are crucial soft skills that set candidates apart. These competencies enable efficient sourcing, vendor management, and cost control, which are essential for supporting an organization’s procurement objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level procurement professionals and how can they be addressed?

Entry level procurement professionals often encounter challenges such as understanding complex supplier networks, managing multiple priorities, and navigating organizational procurement policies. Building strong communication skills and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can help overcome these hurdles. Additionally, taking advantage of training programs and actively learning procurement software will ease the transition and improve efficiency in the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Procurement vs Procurement Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level ProcurementProcurement Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some certifications optionalBachelor's degree often preferred; certifications like CPSM beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice setting; entry-level tasksOffice environment; more responsibility in procurement processes
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail, manufacturing, governmentUsed across industries for managing procurement activities
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in procurementLooking for roles with more coordination responsibilities

Entry Level Procurement roles focus on basic purchasing tasks and require minimal experience, often with a high school diploma. Procurement Coordinators typically have a bachelor's degree and handle more complex procurement activities, including supplier communication and order management. Both roles are essential in procurement departments but differ in responsibility level and qualifications.

How do I start a career in entry level procurement?

To start a career in entry-level procurement, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring an associate's or bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Gaining skills in negotiation, data analysis, and familiarity with procurement software can be beneficial, and internships or entry-level positions provide practical experience to develop understanding of sourcing, vendor management, and purchasing processes.

Is entry level procurement a dead-end job?

Entry level procurement roles are typically starting points in supply chain management that offer opportunities for advancement into senior purchasing, contract management, or strategic sourcing positions. Gaining skills in negotiation, vendor management, and industry software can lead to career growth, making it unlikely to be a dead-end job.

What are entry-level roles in procurement?

Entry-level procurement roles typically include positions such as procurement assistant, purchasing coordinator, or procurement clerk. These roles involve supporting procurement processes, managing supplier relationships, and using tools like procurement software, often requiring basic knowledge of supply chain management and strong organizational skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Procurement jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Procurement jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Procurement jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Entry Level Procurement jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Procurement jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Procurement jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Procurement jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Procurement job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Procurement job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,999 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Associate Procurement Specialist

Martin Marietta

Lexington, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

353rd of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary:
The Associate Procurement Specialist will provide foundational support to procurement activities, assisting in vendor management and ensuring alignment with company standards for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This entry-level role offers an opportunity to build procurement expertise while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support operational needs.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support local procurement activities and monitor vendor performance, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Assist in collaboration with Operations, Category Managers, and cross-functional stakeholders to build effective working relationships and achieve desired outcomes.
  • Conduct site visits to prioritized locations and participate in regional and local meetings to support procurement objectives.
  • Perform preliminary spend analyses and assist in identifying improvement opportunities, including:
    • Supporting supplier identification, selection, and consolidation efforts.
    • Assisting in negotiations for favorable contract terms (price, quality, service, and availability).
    • Providing support for regional sourcing strategies and national category initiatives.
  • Help coordinate RFXs (Request for Information, Request for Proposal, Request for Quotation) for large projects or spend categories.
  • Assist in processing purchase requests, obtaining quotes, and reviewing bids and proposals; help prepare purchase orders.
  • Aid in supplier prequalification and ensure ongoing compliance with company requirements.
  • Contribute to driving adoption of contract usage, eProcurement systems, procurement channel compliance, and supplier spend consolidation.
  • Support procurement and supply chain training initiatives for Division management.
  • Maintain alignment with the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values and adhere to policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

Position Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or equivalent education/experience preferred.
  • 0-2 years of relevant experience in procurement or a related field (aggregates, manufacturing, construction, or similar industries preferred).
  • Basic understanding of sourcing, negotiating, and procurement processes for equipment, materials, and services.
  • Familiarity with supplier contracts and compliance requirements is a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Proficiency with software and systems (e.g., ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) is a plus.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working within diverse teams.
  • Willingness to travel up to 35-55% of the time.

What Martin Marietta Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Martin Marietta logo

About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994