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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Pratt Industries

Purchasing Clerk

Macungie, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Purchasing Clerk is responsible for all production (manufacturing) related purchasing of ... Maintain necessary inventory levels non paper materials * Assist in the set up/location of spare ...

New

Pratt Industries

Purchasing Clerk

Macungie, PA

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Purchasing Clerk is responsible for all production (manufacturing) related purchasing of ... Maintain necessary inventory levels non paper materials * Assist in the set up/location of spare ...

New

Stauffer Glove & Safety

Purchasing Coordinator

Macungie, PA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Summary The Purchasing Coordinator position is responsible for supporting the purchasing team and managing administrative tasks related to vendor and supplier agreements, contracts, pricing, item ...

Stauffer Glove & Safety

Purchasing Coordinator

Red Hill, PA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Summary The Purchasing Coordinator position is responsible for supporting the purchasing team and managing administrative tasks related to vendor and supplier agreements, contracts, pricing, item ...

Penn Technical Staffing

Purchasing Agent

Macungie, PA

$65K - $70K/yr

A manufacturer located in Macungie, PA is seeking a Purchasing Agent to join their team. Salary: $65K-$70K. This person will be responsible sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing electronic components ...

Penn Technical Staffing

Purchasing Agent

Macungie, PA

$65K - $70K/yr

A manufacturer located in Macungie, PA is seeking a Purchasing Agent to join their team. Salary: $65K-$70K. This person will be responsible sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing electronic components ...

Berks County

Buyer (Purchasing Department)

Reading, PA · On-site

Train, assist and guide end users in the regulations and procedures regarding procurement. This ... Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) certification by The Institute for Public Procurement ...

StarrTrax

Purchaser

Lebanon, PA

$33.65 - $38.46/hr

Experience (5+ years) in Material Planning or Purchasing * Experience (3+ years) related to leadership and/or management (preferred) * Experience and knowledge with MRP/MPS (preferably SAP)

New

StarrTrax

Purchaser

Lebanon, PA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Experience (5+ years) in Material Planning or Purchasing * Experience (3+ years) related to leadership and/or management (preferred) * Experience and knowledge with MRP/MPS (preferably SAP)

New

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Purchasing Assistant information

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How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Reading, PA is $20.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.64 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 are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Reading, PA? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Reading, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Assistant jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Assistant jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Reading, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,916 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Purchasing Assistant

Penn Stainless Products Inc Qu

Quakertown, PA

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description

Purchasing Assistant 

QUAKERTOWN, PA


Quakertown, PA

Penn Stainless is seeking a qualified Purchasing Assistant like YOU to join our team! Founded in 1949, Penn Stainless Products, Inc. is a growing specialty metal full-line service center with locations in Quakertown and Jackson Center, PA. Penn Stainless Products practices on-going process improvements to ensure that we supply our customers with the highest level of stainless-steel products and in-house processing. Apply today to learn more about this excellent opportunity.


Description

We are looking for a Purchasing Assistant to work within our purchasing department to help support our order processing. This includes submitting purchase orders, vendor communications, inventory and record keeping. We are seeking an onsite candidate, with full-time work hours M-F 8:00am-5:00pm.


Job Responsibilities:

  • Generate purchasing reports and processing purchase orders 
  • Communicate with vendors regarding pricing, product availability, delivery schedules, and order status
  • Maintain pricing from various vendors 
  • Resolve order discrepancies 
  • Assist purchasing managers with sourcing and procurement tasks 
  • Help maintain inventory, purchasing records and reports 
  • Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures
  • Perform other administrative duties 

Knowledge and Experience:

  • Good communication skills
  • Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
  •  Associate or Bachelor's degree in Business or related field (or equivalent experience).  
  • Prior experience in order processing and vendor negotiation

What we offer:

  • Health Benefits after 30 days (Medical, Dental and Vision)
  • Paid Vacation
  • 401(K) with Company Match
  • Profit Sharing and Quarterly Incentive Bonus Programs
  • Short term & Long-term Disability
  • Company paid Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Weekly Pay

Further information on Penn Stainless benefits can be found at: www.pennstainlessbenefits.com


This position reports out of the Quakertown, PA location. Typical hours are Mon-Fri from 8 AM to 5, with 1 hour for lunch. Apply today to learn more about this excellent opportunity!




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