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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Perkinston, MS (NOW HIRING)

Stock Clerk- Purchasing

Mobile, AL · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Position Overview: This is an entry-level PRN position with various hours. Pre-Employment Requirements: * We are a drug free facility. Passing a pre-employment drug screening is required. Education ...

Escrow Assistant

Biloxi, MS · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Assure that all information is accurate and matches the original Purchase Contract, e.g. zip codes ... Responsible for whereabouts of closing files * Assist Branch Manager with administrative tasks.

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Purchasing Assistant information

See Perkinston, MS salary details

$11

$18

$26

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Perkinston, MS is $18.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.77 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.

What cities near Perkinston, MS are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs?

Cities near Perkinston, MS with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Perkinston, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,379 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager leads and oversees the Purchasing department, including procuring all plate, bar, and coil steel materials used in the manufacture of pre-engineered metal buildings. This role manages a team of purchasing professionals and is accountable for the department's performance in customer service, on-time delivery, safety, quality, inventory accuracy, and inventory goals. The Purchasing Manager drives cost-reduction initiatives, establishes departmental standards and procedures, and ensures the team is cross-trained to provide reliable coverage across all purchasing functions.


Key Responsibilities

  • Manage, coach, and develop a purchasing team of 4, setting clear expectations and supporting professional growth.
  • Oversee the sourcing and purchasing of plate, bar, and coil steel, ensuring availability, quality, and competitive pricing to support production schedules.
  • Establish and track department KPIs aligned with customer service, on-time delivery, safety, quality, inventory accuracy, and inventory goals; report results and drive corrective action as needed.
  • Identify, develop, and implement cost reduction initiatives across sourcing, supplier negotiations, and inventory management.
  • Develop, document, and maintain department standards, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure all team members are cross-trained across department functions to maintain coverage, flexibility, and business continuity.
  • Build and maintain strong supplier relationships; negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts; monitor and manage supplier performance.
  • Partner with Production, Engineering, and Estimating to align material availability with production schedules and project timelines.
  • Forecast material requirements and manage inventory levels to meet accuracy and inventory goals while minimizing excess and obsolete stock.


Qualifications & Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain, purchasing, finance, or accounting preferred.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data import/export, filters, pivot tables, and data slicers.
  • Experience in a high-mix environment, managing hundreds to thousands of items/SKUs.
  • Knowledge of the steel fabrication environment preferred.
  • Knowledge of the steel industry preferred.
  • Proven leadership and team management experience.
  • Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


Physical Requirements:

  • Office-based position with routine use of a computer.
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs., bend, squat, kneel, sit, and/or stand for extended periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ACI Building Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.