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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

Kroger

FRONT END/ASST DEPT LEADER

Starkville, MS · On-site

Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more ... Manage the scheduling of Front-end associates to provide adequate department coverage. * Assist ...

Club4 Fitness

Be Seen First

Assistant General Manager (AGM)

Starkville, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Reports To: General Manager Benefits: Yes, Medical/Dental/Vision Paid ... Possess a working knowledge of all purchasing/sales web-based programming and fitness software ...

Herc Rentals

Assistant Branch Manager

Columbus, MS · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Assistant Branch Manager Columbus, MS, USA, 39701 Employment Status: Full-time Posting Start Date ... Stock Purchase Program Life & Work Harmony Paid Time Off (Holidays, Vacations, Sick Days) Paid ...

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Purchasing Assistant information

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$12

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$29

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Columbus, MS is $20.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $23.03 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 cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Executive Assistant - ADL

Executive Assistant - ADL

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

Columbus, MS

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Steel Dynamics rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

SubsidiaryAluminum DynamicsOverview

Support general manager, support divisional functions as needed

Responsibilities
  • Provide high-level administrative support to the General Manager, ensuring the efficient operation of daily business activities.
  • Manage and maintain the General Manager's calendar by scheduling appointments, meetings, and events while anticipating scheduling conflicts and prioritizing business needs.
  • Maintain a professional, welcoming, and customer-focused environment for employees, visitors, customers, and business partners while representing the organization with integrity and professionalism.
  • Plan and coordinate high-profile customer visits, corporate tours, and executive meetings, ensuring all logistics, hospitality, safety requirements, and facility arrangements are professionally executed.
  • Screen, prioritize, and direct incoming phone calls, visitors, correspondence, and meeting requests, exercising sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
  • Prepare, reconcile, and submit expense reports accurately and in accordance with company policies.
  • Prepare and assemble presentation materials, employee communications, executive reports, and other documentation for internal and external audiences.
  • Coordinate company-wide employee communications and mailings, ensuring information is distributed accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Act as the primary liaison for on-site cafeteria contractors by coordinating communications, addressing service concerns, and supporting contract-related administrative activities.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute major company-sponsored events, including but not limited to employee family picnics, holiday celebrations, Christmas parties, recognition events, retirement celebrations, and other employee engagement activities. Responsibilities include budgeting support, vendor selection, contract coordination, scheduling, purchasing gifts and event materials, and managing event logistics.
  • Manage administrative purchasing activities, including maintaining the department purchasing card, processing authorized purchases, reconciling transactions, and ensuring compliance with company purchasing policies.
  • Assist with purchasing, tracking, and distribution of employee gifts, promotional items, recognition awards, and event materials.
  • Organize, maintain, and share electronic and physical documents using approved company document management systems.
  • Take initiative to identify administrative process improvements that increase efficiency and support plant operations.
  • Support the General Manager with special projects, research assignments, reports, and continuous improvement initiatives as requested.
Qualifications

Required

  • 2-year degree in Business or related field required or 2-4 years of experience in related position
  • Strong professionalism and customer service skills.
  • Must be able to communicate professionally and clearly in English, written and verbal
  • Must be self-motivated, able to make independent decisions, and work without direct supervision
  • Strong planning, coordination, and event management capabilities.
  • Must establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, managers, administrators, other departments, and external entities/agencies
  • Must maintain and ensure complete confidentiality of employee records
  • Must have a high proficiency in Microsoft Office Software, including Power Point and be able to use a computer and keyboard expertly

Preferred

  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Clerical/Administrative experience

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Steel Dynamics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Steel Dynamics logo

About Steel Dynamics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Steel Dynamics is one of the largest and most diversified domestic steel producers and metals recyclers in the United States, with an estimated steelmaking and coating capacity of approximately 13 million tons, and facilities located throughout the United States and in Mexico. We operate using a circular manufacturing model, producing lower-carbon-emission, quality steel using electric arc furnace (EAF) technology with recycled ferrous scrap as the primary input. Our circular economy is powered by our three primary operating platforms: steel, metals recycling, and steel fabrication. Our steel operations produce steel products, including hot roll, cold roll, and coated sheet steel, structural steel beams and shapes, rail, engineered special-bar-quality steel, cold finished steel, merchant bar products, and specialty steel sections. Our metals recycling operations collect and process ferrous and nonferrous scrap from manufacturing and end-of-life items, such as automobiles, appliances, and machinery. This processed scrap is then sold to end-users for reuse, including our EAF steel mills, which produce new steel from the scrapped material. We sell a meaningful amount of steel to our own steel fabrication operations that in turn produce and sell structural steel joist and deck building systems to consumers.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Wayne, IN, US

Year founded

1993

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