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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

cityoflawrence

PURCHASING MANAGER

Lawrence, KS · On-site

The Purchasing Manager ensures that City procurement activities are efficient, transparent, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals and community values. This is an exciting opportunity to ...

cityoflawrence

PURCHASING MANAGER

Lawrence, KS · On-site

The Purchasing Manager ensures that City procurement activities are efficient, transparent, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals and community values. This is an exciting opportunity to ...

City of Lawrence Kansas

PURCHASING MANAGER

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$87K - $105K/yr

The Purchasing Manager ensures that City procurement activities are efficient, transparent, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals and community values. This is an exciting opportunity to ...

Moore DM Group LLC

Purchasing/Inventory Clerk

Topeka, KS · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Manages projects and communicates internally to gather information and assist with member requests. * Analyzes Purchasing Assessment data and proposes strategies. * Prepares, conducts, and follows up ...

Moore

Purchasing/Inventory Clerk

Topeka, KS · On-site

Manages projects and communicates internally to gather information and assist with member requests. * Analyzes Purchasing Assessment data and proposes strategies. * Prepares, conducts, and follows up ...

O'Reilly Auto Parts

Assistant Store Manager

Topeka, KS · 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 ...

Encompass Health

Nursing Assistant

Topeka, KS · On-site

$29K - $39K/yr

Nursing Assistant Career Opportunity (RNT) Elevate Your Nursing Assistant Role at Encompass Health ... Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans. * Flexible spending and health savings ...

Encompass Health Corporation

Nursing Assistant

Topeka, KS · On-site

$29K - $39K/yr

Nursing Assistant Career Opportunity (RNT) Elevate Your Nursing Assistant Role at Encompass Health ... Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans. * Flexible spending and health savings ...

Encompass Health

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Topeka, KS · On-site

$24.50 - $33/hr

Occupational Therapist Assistant Career Opportunity - Kansas COTA license required Your Calling ... Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans. * Flexible spending and health savings ...

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Purchasing Assistant information

See Topeka, KS salary details

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How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Topeka, KS is $20.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $22.16 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.
More about Purchasing Assistant jobs
What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities near Topeka, KS with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Topeka, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,055 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

PURCHASING MANAGER

cityoflawrence

Lawrence, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Summary:
The City of Lawrence is seeking an experienced, strategic, and service-oriented Purchasing Manager to lead the City’s purchasing operations. This position is a key leadership role within the Finance Department, responsible for overseeing all aspects of sourcing, formal bidding, contracting, vendor management, and purchasing policy development. The Purchasing Manager ensures that City procurement activities are efficient, transparent, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals and community values.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the City’s purchasing strategy, strengthen relationships across departments and with suppliers, and develop processes that promote cost savings, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service delivery.

Responsibilities:
Lead and manage the City’s purchasing and contracting processes, including planning, negotiating, and administering professional service, contractor, and construction agreements through formal solicitation methods.

Ensure all purchasing activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, funding requirements, and best practices by developing solicitations and overseeing fair, transparent, and competitive procurement processes.

Draft, review, and administer contracts, renewals, and amendments for goods and services, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with legal and operational requirements.

Serve as a subject-matter expert to City departments, providing guidance on purchasing procedures, bid evaluations, and procurement strategies to support effective and compliant decision-making.

Lead and develop purchasing staff, oversee purchasing systems, and drive process improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen operations, and modernize the City’s purchasing function.

 

Qualifications: 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in business administration, public administration, management, accounting, finance, supply chain, or a related field.

Five (5) years of government procurement experience.

Three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license. 

Professional Buyer certification by the National Institute of Government Purchasing Agents is preferred.

Professional certification from a recognized Purchasing Association (Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional in Supply Management) preferred, or the ability to attain within two (2) years of employment.

Supply Chain certification by the NIGP The Institute of Governmental Purchasing, ASCM Association for Supply Chain Management preferred, or the ability to attain within two (2) years of employment.

Applicants must submit the following to be considered:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter demonstrating interest in public procurement and alignment with the role
  • Three (3) Professional References

 

The successful candidate must pass a background check, post-offer physical, and drug screening.

 

Benefits:
Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance: Various dependent coverage levels available; FREE Well Care Clinic through LMH; other wellness benefits/perks
Paid Time Off: 12 Vacation days, 12 Sick days accrued per year; 2 days Personal Leave, 10 Paid Holidays
Retirement: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)  

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