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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The role provides material planning and purchasing functions for an OEM of heavy industrial process ... Work with manufacturing and quality teams to qualify new suppliers * Assist with the resolution of ...

The role provides material planning and purchasing functions for an OEM of heavy industrial process ... Work with manufacturing and quality teams to qualify new suppliers * Assist with the resolution of ...

Stock shelves with products for customers to purchase * Assist all customers in their shopping * Potential to perform E-Commerce Duties, such as picking customer orders correctly, bagging the orders ...

Stock shelves with products for customers to purchase * Assist all customers in their shopping * Potential to perform E-Commerce Duties, such as picking customer orders correctly, bagging the orders ...

Administrative Assistant Location: Des Moines, IA Zip Code: 50301 Duration: 12 Months Pay Rate: $19 ... Process financial transactions in SAP / Ariba including purchase requisitions, purchase order ...

Administrative Assistant -SAP/Ariba

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Administrative Assistant Location: Des Moines, IA Zip Code: 50301 Duration: 12 Months Key ... Process financial transactions in SAP / Ariba including purchase requisitions, purchase order ...

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Administrative Assistant Location: Des Moines, IA Zip Code: 50301 Duration: 12 Months Pay Rate: $19 ... Process financial transactions in SAP / Ariba including purchase requisitions, purchase order ...

Administrative Assistant Job Number: 365695 Category: Administrative Description: Job Title ... Process financial transactions in SAP / Ariba including purchase requisitions, purchase order ...

Merchandise Assistant - Milan office The Opportunity: Grow Your Career. Our Merchandise Assistants ... Enters purchase orders in an accurate and timely manner for buyers across multiple departments

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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 Jun 14, 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 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.

Is purchasing agent an entry-level job?

A purchasing agent is typically an entry-level to mid-level position that involves negotiating with suppliers, managing purchase orders, and maintaining inventory. Entry-level roles often require basic knowledge of procurement processes and may benefit from relevant certifications or training, such as in supply chain management. Advancement usually depends on experience and 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.

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 need 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.

How do I become a purchasing assistant?

To become a purchasing assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with strong organizational and communication skills. Some employers prefer candidates with experience in supply chain management or familiarity with procurement software. Gaining relevant certifications, such as the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), can also improve job prospects.
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 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:
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.

Sr. Manager - Air Purchasing & Operations

ITA Group Inc

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Senior Manager – Air Purchasing & Operations is responsible to oversee and lead the work and results of the Air Purchasing & Operations department. The Senior Manager provides leadership, oversight and training in the negotiations and purchasing phase through implementation and finalization of air transportation arrangements for group event travel within the Events Solution Line.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Liberal Arts, Public Relations or Communications required, or equivalent work experience
  • Five years experience in the group travel or events industry in a position of similar accountabilities and responsibilities, or a minimum of three-years experience in ITA Group’s Event Solution line.
  • Ability to maintain a positive leadership style, with professionalism, constant communication and consistency.
  • Solid business acumen with a positive, professional attitude, able to build strong relationships and earn the respect of colleagues and customers. Experience and ability to interact with senior managers and executives.
  • Ability to think and act in a proactive manner. Capable of seeing the big picture while understanding how each element contributes to the greater whole. Must be competent to project how a change or delay in one area will impact the overall project. Willingness to try new ideas and challenge status quo.
  • Experience in working with cross-functional teams. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to take and give direction within a matrix organizational structure and team environment.
  • Ability to generate enthusiasm and dedication to support team members in order to achieve client business objectives.
  • Proven track record of developing and managing department budget in order to optimize departmental financial performance.
  • Experience in effective communication and relationship building skills, business writing and client presentations. Ability to interact with all levels of client management.
  • Technical prowess in order to learn new technology systems, integrations and inner connectivity amongst a number of systems. Proficiency (or being willing to become proficient in these) systems would be critical to the success of this role:
    • Microsoft 365 tools, especially Excel
    • PerformanceCentral
    • FlightStats
    • Online Booking Tool (OBT)
    • TravelPort +
    • PC3 Phone System & Call Trees
  • Ability to display a sense of urgency, ownership and accountability.
  • Ability to maintain social neutrality, only building positive and valuable relationships with team members, and refusing to participate in potentially negative discussions and exchanges.
  • Ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with client contacts, suppliers, participants and team members.
  • Excellent organizational skills with experience in detail-oriented work.
  • Ability to lead a team, empower others and delegate responsibilities; desire to lead by example.
  • Ability to listen, understand, and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.
  • Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects or meet deadlines.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding salary and personnel issues.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

ITA Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Company will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Company.

ABOUT ITA GROUP

ITA Group is an employee-owned engagement and loyalty company that provides data-driven solutions designed to uniquely motivate and inspire our clients’ employees, channel partners and customers. Creating engaging employee experiences is at the heart of what we do and who we are, and we continuously evaluate our team member benefits to ensure our team members are cared for. We offer an array of competitive benefits, including healthy retirement contributions, health, dental and vision insurance, paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, Volunteer Time Off, paid sabbaticals, anniversary awards and more! Come join our team, recently recognized by several top organizations as a Great Place to Work.