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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

MEKRA Lang

Purchasing

Columbia, SC · On-site

Develop and manage the purchasing strategies. Strategic Sourcing : - Perform market studies, benchmarks, participate to international forums, - Drive logistics saving plan and continuous improvement ...

MEKRA Lang

Purchasing

Columbia, SC

Develop and manage the purchasing strategies. Strategic Sourcing : - Perform market studies, benchmarks, participate to international forums, - Drive logistics saving plan and continuous improvement ...

CREGGER COMPANY INC

Purchasing Generalist

Irmo, SC · On-site

Purchasing Generalist The Purchasing Generalist is responsible for sourcing, procuring, and ... disruptions. * Assist in developing and implementing cost-saving initiatives and procurement ...

OpExpert Consulting

Purchasing Manager

Lexington, SC · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Purchasing Manager Leading Solutions Company - Confidential Competitive Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 annually Are you an experienced procurement professional ready to take the lead in managing a dynamic ...

OpExpert Consulting

Purchasing Manager

Lexington, SC · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Purchasing Manager Leading Solutions Company - Confidential Competitive Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 annually Are you an experienced procurement professional ready to take the lead in managing a dynamic ...

OpExpert Consulting

Purchasing Manager

Lexington, SC · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Purchasing Manager Leading Solutions Company - Confidential Competitive Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 annually Are you an experienced procurement professional ready to take the lead in managing a dynamic ...

Clayton Homes (New)

Purchasing Manager

Irmo, SC · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

## Purchasing ManagerApplylocations: Irmo, SCtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: JR132922**Mungo Homes has a new opening for a Purchasing Manager in the Columbia, SC ...

DeSHAZO LLC

Administrative Assistant

Lexington, SC

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Description The Administrative Assistant position will report directly to the Service Manager for ... Produce all purchase orders for remote branches and all North Region installations. * Update all ...

Deshazo LLC

Administrative Assistant

Lexington, SC · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Job Type Full-time Description The Administrative Assistant position will report directly to the ... Produce all purchase orders for remote branches and all North Region installations. * Update all ...

DeSHAZO LLC

Administrative Assistant

Lexington, SC · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

The Administrative Assistant position will report directly to the Service Manager for the local ... Produce all purchase orders for remote branches and all North Region installations. * Update all ...

DeShazo

Administrative Assistant

Lexington, SC · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Apply Job Type Full-time Description The Administrative Assistant position will report directly to ... Produce all purchase orders for remote branches and all North Region installations. * Update all ...

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All JobsPurchasing JobsPurchasing Assistant JobsPurchasing Assistant Jobs in Columbia, SC

Purchasing Assistant information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Columbia, SC is $19.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

How much does a purchasing assistant make in the US?

A purchasing assistant in the US typically earns between $35,000 and $55,000 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 inventory management and familiarity with procurement software can influence compensation.

How much does a purchasing assistant make?

In Pennsylvania, a purchasing assistant typically earns between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced assistants with certifications or specialized skills can earn higher salaries.

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.
More about Purchasing Assistant jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Purchasing Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Purchasing Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:

Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,490 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Purchasing

MEKRA Lang

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Tier 1 Automotive - commercial back-up systems for Trucks, Construction, and Agricultural Equipment.
Job Description
The primary purpose of this position is to develop and manage strategies for the assigned commodities. Supports operations at site level: manages the local suppliers, ensures the compliance of contracts, and manages Suppliers' performance.
Be a partner to key stakeholders, primarily Supply Chain; provide support through all steps of the Purchasing process. Develop and manage the purchasing strategies.
Strategic Sourcing :
- Perform market studies, benchmarks, participate to international forums,
- Drive logistics saving plan and continuous improvement with suppliers,
- Manage Vendors Qualification and qualify new suppliers which can bring value to the supply chain
Manage RFP Process, including :
- Risk Analysis,
- Manage cost and commitment strategy in coordination with assigned commodities,
- Lead financial and contractual negotiations,
- Facilitate to stakeholders key contractual aspects of the negotiated deals.
Vendor Management :
- Build, lead and optimize Strategic Vendor Management program for assigned commodities,
- Manage strategic partners governance including contractual relationship, performance monitoring (thru Business Reviews, KPIs ...),
- Manage financial dimension of the contracts.
Compliance :
- Support supplier audits,
- Accountable for compliance with Purchasing processes & procedures: good documentation practices
- Lead some continuous improvement initiatives Qualifications - Minimum education required is a Bachelor Degree with 5 years supply chain experience. Masters/ MBA and +5 years of experience in Tier 1 Automotive Purchasing, experience in an international environment and project management experience all preferred.
- Individual should be open-minded, with potential to grow within the organization.
Qualifications
Minimum education required is a Bachelor Degree with 5 years supply chain experience. Masters/ MBA and +5 years of experience in Tier 1 Automotive Purchasing, experience in an international environment ideal.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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