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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IN (NOW HIRING)

Wayne Pipe & Supply, Inc.

Senior Buyer

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

Work closely with the Buyer, Purchasing Assistant/Expeditor, and RMA Specialist to support effective department operations. * Participate in cross-functional initiatives that improve purchasing ...

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

Purchasing Clerk

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Job Summary Shambaugh & Son is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing Clerk to join our team. In this onsite role, you will play a critical part in our procurement operations by managing ...

New

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

Purchasing Clerk

Fort Wayne, IN

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Job SummaryShambaugh & Son is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing Clerk to join our team. In this onsite role, you will play a critical part in our procurement operations by managing ...

New

DR Horton

Purchasing Agent - Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN · 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 ...

O'Reilly Auto Parts

Assistant Store Manager

Decatur, IN · On-site

The Assistant Store Manager will support the Store Manager in areas of sales, customer service ... Utilize electronic outside purchase order ledger to ensure special orders and outside purchases are ...

Keystone

Part Time Administrative Assistant

Bryant, IN

$15.75 - $21/hr

Responsible for purchasing general office and break room supplies. * Assist with special projects as needed. * Performs other duties as assigned. Skills and Qualifications : * Strong verbal, and ...

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

Administrative Assistant

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Answer and direct customer and employee inquiries in a professional manner. * Assist with data entry, filing, purchase orders, and invoice processing. * Coordinate office communications, meetings ...

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

Administrative Assistant

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Answer and direct customer and employee inquiries in a professional manner. * Assist with data entry, filing, purchase orders, and invoice processing. * Coordinate office communications, meetings ...

American Oncology Network

Medical Assistant

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$15.83 - $26.38/hr

Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology Pay Range: $15.83 - $26.38 Summary: Assist physicians ... Place orders with purchasing as needed. * Initiate troubleshooting procedures when instrument ...

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Purchasing Assistant information

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How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Decatur, IN is $20.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $22.74 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 Decatur, IN are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IN with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Decatur, IN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,116 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Senior Buyer

Wayne Pipe & Supply, Inc.

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing the complete purchasing process for assigned product lines and vendor partners, ensuring the timely procurement of inventory, direct-order materials, and project-specific purchases while maintaining optimal inventory levels, maximizing supplier performance, and supporting company profitability.
Each Senior Buyer maintains equal authority and responsibility within the Purchasing Department and is assigned specific manufacturers, vendors, and product categories. Senior Buyers are responsible for the day-to-day operational relationship with assigned suppliers, purchasing execution, forecasting, inventory optimization, replenishment planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Senior Buyer works closely with the Director of Operations, Sales, Warehouse, Accounting, Branch Managers, and Operations Leadership to ensure exceptional customer service, efficient inventory management, and alignment with Wayne Pipe & Supply's operational and financial objectives.
The Director of Operations retains responsibility for strategic supplier partnerships, contract negotiations, rebate programs, preferred supplier agreements, department budgeting, and overall purchasing strategy.
Essential Job Functions
Purchasing and Inventory Management
  • Manage replenishment purchasing for assigned product lines using Prophet 21 recommendations, inventory analysis, customer demand, supplier lead times, and established purchasing strategies.
  • Purchase stock, direct-order, emergency, and project-related materials while ensuring purchase orders are accurate and released promptly.
  • Monitor inventory availability, shortages, fill rates, turns, aging, excess inventory, dead stock, and overall inventory investment.
  • Maintain and recommend adjustments to Min/Max levels, purchasing parameters, replenishment quantities, and inventory forecasts.
  • Identify inventory-balancing opportunities, including transfers between branch locations.
  • Evaluate alternate suppliers, manufacturers, and product substitutions to reduce supply disruptions and meet customer commitments.
  • Maintain accurate and complete purchasing records in Prophet 21.

Forecasting and Demand Planning
  • Analyze historical sales, purchasing trends, customer buying patterns, seasonal fluctuations, and business conditions to forecast inventory requirements.
  • Monitor forecast accuracy and adjust purchasing quantities and inventory investment recommendations accordingly.
  • Identify supply chain risks and support annual inventory-planning initiatives.
  • Recommend strategies to improve inventory availability while reducing excess and obsolete inventory.

Supplier Coordination
  • Serve as the primary day-to-day operational contact for assigned suppliers and maintain productive working relationships.
  • Monitor supplier performance, responsiveness, and lead times and assist with supplier performance reviews and scorecards.
  • Resolve routine supplier, availability, substitution, and delivery issues.
  • Provide supplier performance feedback and escalate pricing, contracts, rebates, and strategic supplier matters to the Director of Operations.

Project and Direct-Order Purchasing
  • Coordinate purchasing activities, release schedules, material availability, and milestones for customer projects and direct orders.
  • Partner with Sales to understand project requirements, customer schedules, and delivery commitments.
  • Identify and resolve purchasing or supply issues that could affect project timelines or customer deliveries.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Sales, Warehouse Operations, Accounting, Branch Managers, and the Director of Operations to address customer demand, inventory planning, material availability, and purchasing discrepancies.
  • Work closely with the Buyer, Purchasing Assistant/Expeditor, and RMA Specialist to support effective department operations.
  • Participate in cross-functional initiatives that improve purchasing, inventory management, and customer service.

Continuous Improvement and Reporting
  • Analyze purchasing and inventory performance, including inventory investment, fill rates, turns, forecasting accuracy, supplier performance, and departmental KPIs.
  • Identify cost-saving, automation, process-improvement, and inventory-optimization opportunities.
  • Support Prophet 21 enhancements, purchasing analytics, and department reporting.
  • Participate in the development and revision of purchasing policies, procedures, and SOPs.
  • Promote purchasing accuracy, accountability, consistency, and departmental best practices.

Technical Leadership
Although this position does not have direct supervisory responsibility, the Senior Buyer provides technical leadership by:
  • Serving as the subject-matter expert for assigned product and supplier lines.
  • Assisting with the training and onboarding of purchasing team members.
  • Providing guidance and support to the Buyer and Purchasing Assistant/Expeditor.
  • Sharing purchasing knowledge, tools, and best practices across the department.
  • Supporting departmental initiatives and encouraging collaboration and accountability.
  • Leading by example through professionalism, integrity, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities by Frequency
Daily
  • Execute stock replenishment, direct-order, project, and emergency purchasing.
  • Review purchasing recommendations, exceptions, inventory availability, shortages, fill rates, and customer commitments.
  • Monitor supplier lead times and respond to vendor communications.
  • Coordinate with Sales and resolve routine supplier or purchasing issues.
  • Review inventory-transfer and alternate-sourcing opportunities.

Weekly
  • Review inventory turns, dead stock, surplus inventory, fill-rate exceptions, and inventory-balancing opportunities.
  • Analyze purchasing trends, forecast accuracy, supplier performance, and alternate sourcing options.
  • Meet with the Director of Operations regarding purchasing priorities, risks, and performance.
  • Provide technical assistance to other purchasing team members.

Monthly
  • Complete comprehensive inventory, forecasting, and inventory-investment reviews.
  • Analyze excess and obsolete inventory and recommend corrective action.
  • Review supplier scorecards and departmental KPIs.
  • Recommend purchasing-parameter and inventory-investment adjustments.
  • Present cost-saving, process-improvement, and reporting opportunities.

Decision-Making Authority
The Senior Buyer is authorized to:
  • Execute purchasing decisions within approved budgets, policies, and purchasing strategies.
  • Prioritize purchasing activities for assigned product and supplier lines.
  • Adjust replenishment quantities based on demand and inventory requirements.
  • Resolve routine supplier, availability, and purchasing issues.
  • Recommend alternate suppliers, manufacturers, product substitutions, and branch inventory transfers.
  • Recommend changes to purchasing parameters and inventory-investment levels.
  • Provide technical direction to purchasing team members.
  • Escalate pricing, contractual, rebate, supplier-strategy, and other significant decisions to the Director of Operations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Advanced knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, forecasting, and demand planning.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to analyze purchasing, inventory, forecasting, and supplier-performance reports.
  • Ability to manage competing demands and respond effectively to changing priorities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication and customer-service skills.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency and working knowledge of Prophet 21.
  • Ability to train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to others.
  • Commitment to accuracy, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience
Required
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • At least five years of purchasing experience.
  • Experience using an ERP purchasing system.
  • Strong inventory-management background.

Preferred
  • Experience in industrial distribution or the PVF industry.
  • APICS certification or comparable professional training.
  • Experience with forecasting, inventory optimization, or project purchasing.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to perform prolonged periods of seated computer work.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to safely access warehouse and operational areas.
  • Ability to travel occasionally between branch locations.

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