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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Huntingdon, PA (NOW HIRING)

Surplus City

Purchasing Manager

Altoona, PA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

PURCHASING MANAGER Family-Owned Retail Business | Altoona, PA Full-Time | Monday-Friday | Flexible ... Coordinate with the warehouse regarding incoming merchandise and distribution to stores. * Assist ...

Focal Tech

Administrative Assistant

State College, PA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

... Assistant. This is a full-time position located in our State College, PA office. To learn more ... Create purchase orders for customer hardware. * Maintain and track on-site hardware inventory.

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All JobsPurchasing JobsPurchasing Assistant JobsPurchasing Assistant Jobs in Huntingdon, PA

Purchasing Assistant information

See Huntingdon, PA salary details

$11

$19

$26

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Huntingdon, PA is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $21.01 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 cities near Huntingdon, PA are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs?

Cities near Huntingdon, PA with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:

Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Huntingdon, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,820 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Purchasing Manager

Surplus City

Altoona, PA • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

PURCHASING MANAGER
Family-Owned Retail Business | Altoona, PA
Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Flexible Hours

About Us:
We are a family-owned and operated business that has been serving our customers for over 50 years. Our company operates six retail locations across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio, with our central office and centralized warehouse located in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Our stores are located in:
  • Altoona, PA
  • Williamsport, PA
  • Carlisle, PA
  • Chambersburg, PA
  • LaVale, MD
  • Youngstown, OH

We are looking for an experienced, organized, and motivated Purchasing Manager to join our team and oversee purchasing for all six locations and our centralized warehouse.

Position Summary:
The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for managing the purchasing and replenishment of merchandise across our six retail stores and centralized warehouse. This position requires someone who understands retail purchasing, inventory management, pricing, vendor relationships, and product demand.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of or experience purchasing products in several of our primary categories, including:
  • Hardware
  • Fasteners
  • Automotive and auto body supplies
  • Plumbing supplies
  • Electrical supplies
  • Tools and related merchandise
  • General maintenance and home-improvement products

This is an important position within our company and requires someone who is organized, dependable, detail-oriented, cost-conscious, and comfortable working independently while communicating with store managers and vendors.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Manage purchasing for all six retail locations and the Altoona centralized warehouse.
  • Monitor inventory levels and determine when products need to be reordered.
  • Review sales and inventory information to identify purchasing needs and opportunities.
  • Place purchase orders with vendors and follow up on outstanding orders.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and manufacturers.
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, freight, promotions, and other purchasing opportunities when possible.
  • Compare vendors and pricing to ensure the company receives competitive costs.
  • Look for opportunities to increase margins and reduce purchasing costs.
  • Coordinate purchasing with warehouse inventory and store requirements.
  • Help ensure stores have the appropriate inventory available to meet customer demand.
  • Monitor slow-moving and excess inventory and make recommendations for promotions, transfers, or other solutions.
  • Work with store managers regarding special orders, inventory needs, and product requests.
  • Research new products and vendors that may benefit the company.
  • Review vendor catalogs, pricing lists, promotions, and new-product offerings.
  • Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
  • Track backorders, shortages, damaged merchandise, and vendor issues.
  • Coordinate with the warehouse regarding incoming merchandise and distribution to stores.
  • Assist with maintaining appropriate inventory levels while avoiding unnecessary overstock.
  • Stay informed about product trends, pricing changes, and industry developments.
  • Perform other purchasing, inventory, and operational duties as needed.

Qualifications:
  • Previous purchasing, buying, inventory management, or retail experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of hardware, fasteners, auto body, plumbing, electrical, or related products strongly preferred.
  • Strong negotiation and communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to analyze sales and inventory information.
  • Comfortable working with computers, spreadsheets, inventory systems, and email.
  • Ability to work independently and make sound purchasing decisions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with store managers, employees, vendors, and company management.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Must be dependable and able to manage multiple priorities.

What We Offer:
  • Monday–Friday schedule
  • Flexible hours to accommodate your schedule
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Opportunity to become an important part of a stable, family-owned company with over 50 years of history
  • A position with responsibility and the opportunity to make a direct impact on company purchasing and profitability

Location:
Central Office & Warehouse
Altoona, Pennsylvania
The Purchasing Manager will support purchasing needs for all six company locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio.

How to Apply:
We are looking for someone who wants to become a long-term member of our team and grow with a successful family-owned business. If you have purchasing experience and knowledge of hardware, automotive, plumbing, electrical, or related products, we would like to hear from you.