1

Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

IT Purchasing Specialist Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Set us up with the best in tech! Uline is looking for an IT Purchasing Specialist to help get the right ...

Review quality of purchased products. * Track material and review back-order reports to ensure materials are delivered on time. * Work with Project Managers and Foreman to obtain special item ...

IT Purchasing Specialist Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Set us up with the best in tech! Uline is looking for an IT Purchasing Specialist to help get the right ...

Senior IT Purchasing Specialist Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Set us up with the best in tech! Join Uline as a Senior IT Purchasing Specialist, where you'll own ...

Senior IT Purchasing Specialist Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Set us up with the best in tech! Join Uline as a Senior IT Purchasing Specialist, where you'll own ...

Maintenance Inventory and Purchasing Clerk

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Create purchase requisitions; manage vendor quotes, lead times, and delivery schedules; escalate shortages for critical repairs. * Compile the annual maintenance repair budget (parts, consumables ...

Senior IT Purchasing Specialist Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Set us up with the best in tech! Join Uline as a Senior IT Purchasing Specialist, where you'll own ...

Senior IT Purchasing Specialist Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Set us up with the best in tech! Join Uline as a Senior IT Purchasing Specialist, where you'll own ...

Showing results 21-40

Purchasing Assistant information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$13

$21

$29

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Milwaukee, WI is $21.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $23.22 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 attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which can contribute to work-related stress.

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 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 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. The job often requires proficiency with procurement software and strong organizational skills.

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.

How much do purchasing assistants make?

Purchasing assistants typically earn 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. Strong organizational and negotiation skills are often required for higher pay levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Milwaukee, WI? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in Milwaukee, WI? For Purchasing Assistant jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Assistant jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Assistant jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,028 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Central Garden & Pet rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,035 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 41 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Purchasing Manager role is responsible for executing several roles within our procurement group:  The first will be to manage the day-to-day activities of the Purchasing group in Franklin, consisting of two transactional buyers.  The second function would be to place purchase orders and manage their delivery dates.  Lastly, manage and streamline processes within the group, to improve efficiency and drive continuous improvement.   These activities will enable the business to meet sales, inventory, financial and service objectives.  Collaboration with other members of Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Finance and Customer Support Teams is paramount to achieving these objectives.  Purchasing manager role will report to the Director of S&OP.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • In a cross functional team environment develop inventory strategies and communicate and execute plan.
  • Analyze and optimize the process related to managing purchase orders.
  • Ensure alignment between business, sourcing and purchasing strategies.
  • Set measurable objectives to drive improvement in days on hand to lower inventory dollars.
  • Work with sourcing to keep minimum order quantities aligned with business objectives and forecasts.
  • Develop and track supplier metrics.
  • Execute all the required operational activities related to purchasing and management of materials and services required by the company according with defined policies.
  • Manage and develop transactional buyers. 
  • Set goals and KPI’s to help drive and monitor success.
  • Integrate innovative ideas from suppliers and other sources into internal ways of working to bring continuous improvement.
  • Partner with sourcing to ensure the agreed upon service levels with suppliers (indirect and direct) are adhered to.
  • Work with the procurement team to drive out cost and hit our low-cost producer / continuous improvement goals and initiatives.
  • Work with Demand planners to optimize inventory levels and coverage profiles for purchased items.
  • Manage all other activities of the purchasing department.

EXPERIENCES/SKILLS/EDUCATION

  • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain or other related discipline.
  • 4+ years supply chain experience
  • Lead projects and negotiate with cross functional teams.
  • Multitask across projects from different departments.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems, preferably SAP
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Possesses strong interpersonal skills, works well with others, respectful of all team members, and good time management skills.
  • Lead, develop and manage team of transactional buyers.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and establish goals and objectives in a fast-paced environment.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS 

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Free Life and Disability Insurance
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
  • Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to thousands of free online courses
  • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
  • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
  • Referral Program with cash bonus
  • Access to on-demand pay
  • Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2023 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California and has 6,700 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

#L1-MM2


Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.


What Central Garden & Pet employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom