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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

PMX Industries Inc.

Purchasing Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA

$90K - $135K/yr

PMX is seeking a proactive Purchasing Manager to oversee and improve our procurement processes. This role is critical to ensuring we source high-quality materials and services at the best value while ...

PMX Industries, Inc.

Purchasing Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

PMX is seeking a proactive Purchasing Manager to oversee and improve our procurement processes. This role is critical to ensuring we source high-quality materials and services at the best value while ...

City of Dubuque

Purchasing and Safety Intern

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$20.74/hr

The Purchasing & Safety Intern position is available to current students pursuing a degree in ... Job Duties Collect, review, and analyze procurement and safety data. Assist in preparing and ...

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All JobsPurchasing Assistant JobsPurchasing Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Purchasing Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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.

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 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.

What does a Purchasing Assistant do?

A Purchasing Assistant supports the procurement department by handling administrative tasks such as processing purchase orders, maintaining inventory records, and communicating with suppliers. They help ensure that materials and products are ordered efficiently and delivered on time. Additionally, Purchasing Assistants may assist with negotiating prices, tracking shipments, and resolving any order discrepancies. Their role is essential in keeping supply chains running smoothly and cost-effectively.

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
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $41,974 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Purchasing Manager

Purchasing Manager

PMX Industries Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA

$90K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

PMX is seeking a proactive Purchasing Manager to oversee and improve our procurement processes. This role is critical to ensuring we source high-quality materials and services at the best value while maintaining strong supplier relationships. You’ll collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to streamline operations and support our company’s strategic goals.

As an individual contributor, this position will be responsible for development and implementation of goals and objectives of metal procurement with the corporate goals and objectives, which include:

• Expected to follow all safety rules and policies and work in a manner that protects themselves and other stakeholders from hazards and injuries.
• Create and administer the short and long term metals procurement strategy for the Company, including sourcing strategies within the secondary scrap markets.
• Ensure material availability through the coordination of sound logistical practice.
• Assess and manage risk and/or exposure to metal market fluctuations.
• Negotiate and execute contracts with our suppliers and vendors.
• Manage purchasing, logistics, inventory and disposal of all materials consistent with policies and identified goals utilizing market information.
• Develop, implement and maintain a system for suppliers and vendor approval.
• Control costs.
• Ensure that all daily, monthly and annual reports and forecasts are completed in a timely manner.
• Provide a high level of leadership.
• Lead process improvement initiatives.
• Develop and ensure adherence to company policies and guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with related regulations and maintain relevant files and records.
• Provide and maintain a positive work environment.
• Coordinate with other organizations and departments as needed to create a team environment.
• Coach, mentor, and train purchasing team.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field or 5 years' experience in the specialty alloys, technical knowledge of metals, or related industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in the specialty alloys, metals or related industry.
  • Excellent communication skills, including written, oral and effective listening to communicate with all levels of the organization.
  • Previous supervisory experience required.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience required.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point).

Salary:

  • $90,000-$135,000.

Benefits:

  • 401(k) plan
  • Retirement plan
  • Vacation
  • Paid holidays

Insurance:

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Disability
    • Short Term
    • Long Term
  • Life insurance
    • Employee
    • Dependent

Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug and background screening.

______________________________________________

About the Company:

PMX Industries is the leading supplier of high quality copper and copper alloys in North America.

Since our founding, we have been committed to continually improving our safety and environmental performance through ongoing training and new technology. Safety is a top priority. PMX employees also have an active recycling program of metals, cardboard, plastic, and paper. We believe there are direct links between worker safety, quality systems, environmental performance, and economic success.

Business is conducted in accordance with company policies which are based on respect and accountability. PMX has earned a reputation for integrity and consistently meeting high standards. We support our communities and strive to be good neighbors. We know that business success begins with our employees!

We go far beyond simple compliance with federal and state regulations. We are dedicated to creating value for all that we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual's race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

PMX Industries logo

About PMX Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cedar Rapids, IA, US

Year founded

1992

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