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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Supply Chain Purchaser

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

This contract to hire opportunity is ideal for someone who can balance day-to-day purchasing execution with vendor coordination and cost-conscious sourcing decisions. The person in this role will ...

Tessenderlo Group

Purchasing Clerk

Davenport, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Purchasing & Procurement * Purchase materials and services within the following categories ... Conduct monthly physical counts of chemical inventories and reconcile discrepancies. * Assist with:

Tessenderlo Group

Purchasing Clerk

Davenport, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Purchasing & Procurement * Purchase materials and services within the following categories ... Conduct monthly physical counts of chemical inventories and reconcile discrepancies. * Assist with:

Robert Half

Purchasing Coordinator

Iowa Falls, IA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

... purchasing, inventory, and vendor coordination. This is a behind-the-scenes role with real impact ... * Assist with inventory counts, adjustments, and data input to ensure precise tracking and ...

Tri-City Group

Purchasing Specialist

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

The Purchasing Specialist will day-to-day job site needs. Job Duties: * Issue and approve Purchase Orders (POs) according to company guidelines. * Coordinate with Project Management to maintain ...

Guardian Pharmacy

Purchasing Specialist

Ankeny, IA

Review Purchasing dashboards and run reports to monitor purchasing metrics. Interpret and analyze data to identify opportunities to maximize cost savings and improve inventory turns. * Navigate ...

Tri-City Group

Purchasing Specialist

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

The Purchasing Specialist will day-to-day job site needs. Job Duties: * Issue and approve Purchase Orders (POs) according to company guidelines. * Coordinate with Project Management to maintain ...

Maintainer Corp of Iowa

Purchasing Manager

Sheldon, IA · On-site

Purchasing Manager "The Employer of Choice...building the work truck of choice" Maintainer is looking for hard-working, team-players with get-r-done attitudes. If this describes you, please apply! We ...

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Purchasing Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Iowa is $20.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a purchasing assistant job stressful?

A purchasing assistant job can be stressful due to tight deadlines, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring accurate inventory levels. The role often requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail to handle multiple tasks efficiently. However, stress levels vary depending on the company, workload, and individual coping strategies.

What is the difference between Purchasing Assistant vs Procurement Clerk?

AspectPurchasing AssistantProcurement Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some roles may require certifications in purchasing or supply chainHigh school diploma, familiarity with procurement processes
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, supporting purchasing teamsOffice environment, handling procurement documentation
Employer & Industry UsageRetail, manufacturing, logistics companiesGovernment agencies, large corporations, public sector
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level purchasing rolesRelated to procurement process support roles

The Purchasing Assistant and Procurement Clerk roles share similarities in supporting purchasing and procurement activities, often requiring similar credentials and working in office environments. However, Purchasing Assistants typically focus on assisting with purchase orders and supplier communication, while Procurement Clerks handle procurement documentation and record-keeping. Both roles are essential in supply chain operations across various industries.

What skills are essential for a purchasing assistant?

A purchasing assistant needs strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and good communication abilities to coordinate with suppliers and internal teams. Proficiency in using procurement software and basic understanding of supply chain processes are also important for effective job performance.

What are some common challenges Purchasing Assistants face when coordinating with suppliers, and how can these be managed effectively?

Purchasing Assistants often encounter challenges such as delayed shipments, miscommunications about order specifications, or fluctuating prices. To manage these issues effectively, it's important to maintain clear and consistent communication with suppliers, document all agreements, and proactively follow up on delivery timelines. Building strong relationships with preferred vendors and staying organized with detailed records can help resolve issues quickly and minimize disruptions to the supply chain.

How much does a purchasing assistant earn?

A purchasing assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced assistants or those in specialized sectors can earn higher salaries. Skills in negotiation, inventory management, and familiarity with procurement software can influence compensation.

What does a purchasing assistant do?

A purchasing assistant supports the procurement process by helping to order supplies, track inventory, and communicate with vendors. They often use procurement software and require strong organizational skills to ensure timely and cost-effective purchasing for their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Purchasing Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Purchasing Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of procurement processes, often supported by a relevant associate degree or experience in supply chain management. Familiarity with procurement software, inventory management systems, and Excel is typically required. Effective communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate order processing, timely supplier coordination, and efficient support for the purchasing department’s operations.

What Is a Purchasing Assistant?

As a purchasing assistant, you buy products for your company to sell or use in operations. Your job duties entail communicating with vendors to obtain goods at the best prices, tracking product inventory, monitoring sales trends, and placing orders on products. Purchasing assistants often play a role in choosing which products to stock. The career requires you have some formal qualifications and education, generally a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, excellent computer skills, and prior sales experience. It is necessary to develop knowledge of your specific industry, including normal sales and revenue trends.

More about Purchasing Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Purchasing Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in IA? For Purchasing Assistant jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Supply Chain Purchaser

Supply Chain Purchaser

Robert Half

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$33 - $36/hr

Temporary

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a detail-oriented Supply Chain Purchaser to support procurement operations for a food manufacturing environment in Iowa. This contract to hire opportunity is ideal for someone who can balance day-to-day purchasing execution with vendor coordination and cost-conscious sourcing decisions. The person in this role will help maintain reliable supply flow, evaluate purchasing needs, and strengthen supplier relationships that support operational goals.


Responsibilities:

• Review purchase requests to confirm item details, and ordering requirements are accurate before processing.

• Check inventory levels and internal reports to determine whether materials are already available or need to be procured.

• Validate product specifications and ensure ordered items align with operational and quality expectations.

• Identify sourcing opportunities across multiple spending categories to improve pricing and overall supplier value.

• Prepare and issue purchase orders while maintaining accurate purchasing documentation.


Please apply today if you have experience in supply chain or purchasing and are looking to strengthen that skillset! Please apply through our Robert Half website or call 515.706.4974.

Requirements:

• 1+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain support.

• Working knowledge of purchasing processes, purchase order management, and vendor coordination.

• Ability to analyze routine purchasing information and make sound decisions using practical judgment.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple variables in a structured environment.

• Proficiency with computers and business software, including Microsoft Excel.

• Comfortable communicating with suppliers and internal teams to resolve order and delivery issues.


Please apply today if you have experience in supply chain or purchasing and are looking to strengthen that skillset! Please apply through our Robert Half website or call 515.706.4974.

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About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948

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