ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

CRI

Purchasing Specialist

Mclean, VA

This person will lead tasks related to purchasing, to include pricing quote/proposal support, inventory management, as well as material ordering, tracking, shipping and coordination of equipment ...

DR Horton

Purchasing Agent

Edgewater, MD · On-site

D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for a Purchasing Agent for their Purchasing Department. The right candidate will bid on new projects, maintain scopes of work, track blueprints and design ...

CRI

Purchasing Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

This person will lead tasks related to purchasing, to include pricing quote/proposal support, inventory management, as well as material ordering, tracking, shipping and coordination of equipment ...

D.R. Horton, Inc

Purchasing Agent

Edgewater, MD · On-site

D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for a Purchasing Agent for their Purchasing Department. The right candidate will bid on new projects, maintain scopes of work, track blueprints and design ...

DR Horton, Inc.

Purchasing Agent

Edgewater, MD · On-site

D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for a Purchasing Agent for their Purchasing Department. The right candidate will bid on new projects, maintain scopes of work, track blueprints and design ...

Charles Products LLC

Purchasing Associate

Rockville, MD

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

The Purchaser will buy supplies from various vendors and suppliers. You will work independently in a highly collaborative environment that requires frequent communication with other departments. In ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPurchasing JobsPurchasing Assistant JobsPurchasing Assistant Jobs in Washington

Purchasing Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Washington is $24.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $26.68 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 Washington? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in Washington? For Purchasing Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in WA? For Purchasing Assistant jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Purchasing Specialist

Purchasing Specialist

CRI

Mclean, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

At CRI, we are more than a workplace - we are a mission-driven, forward-thinking team shaping the future of secure and efficient operations across government and commercial sectors. As a minority-owned and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) with over 30 years of experience, we specialize in delivering enterprise management systems, integrated physical and cybersecurity solutions and cutting-edge IT services, that elevate performance and ensure compliance. We thrive on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, offering exciting opportunities to develop and deploy transformative technologies that support national and global organizations.


CRIis seeking a qualifiedPurchasing Specialistto fulfill a role within our company's Integrated Security Group. This person will lead tasks related to purchasing, to include pricing quote/proposal support, inventory management, as well as material ordering, tracking, shipping and coordination of equipment replacement and repair for projects across the division.


Position responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of our vendors and products
  • Create and execute purchase orders in Deltek consistent with contract requirements
  • Procurement and logistics of orders placed
  • Maximize sales performance through quick and efficient communication with existing vendors
  • Serve as the point of contact between vendors and the team
  • Work with internal departments on sales order reconciliation, invoice reconciliation, and vendor purchase order reconciliation
  • Communicate with internal and external resources as well as customers on timing of product delivery or delays in shipments
  • Resolution to issues pertaining to pricing-related invoicing issues
  • Working with vendors and manufacturers in regards to repairs, returns or advance replacements
  • Responsible for establishing and keeping current purchasing procedures required to fulfill the procurement, inventory, and distribution of required components
  • Other duties as assigned


Position qualifications and experience include:

  • Must be a highly organized and detail oriented to manage multiple areas of responsibility
  • Basic knowledge of accounting principles and accounts payable practices/techniques
  • Ability to prioritize and handle numerous tasks daily
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both verbal and written
  • Experience in management of the purchasing life cycle from developing pricing quotes for equipment/material purchases, ordering, tracking and troubleshooting
  • Experience maintaining/building effective relationship with company vendors and subcontractors
  • Experience with Microsoft Office suite of products including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel
  • Experience with an ERP system, preferably Deltek
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Proactive attitude towards work and team members


Recommended candidate qualities:

  • Team Player - will be an asset to the team dynamics
  • Self-Starter - takes ownership of building knowledge base and personal growth
  • Customer Service Focused - looking for opportunities to go the extra mile
  • Active Listener
  • Flexible
  • Detail Oriented
  • Multi-Tasker - efficiently manages multiple priorities and tasks


This position requires U.S. Citizenship

Job location: onsite in McLean, VA

Apply