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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in University Place, WA

The Evergreen Market

Assistant Purchaser

Renton, WA · On-site

$33.65/hr

About the role Evergreen Market is hiring an experienced Assistant Purchaser to run the day-to-day ... This is a hands-on purchasing-operations role for someone who already knows procurement and ...

Aston Carter

Purchasing Specialist

Kent, WA

Monitor open purchase orders and assist in releasing quantities based on inventory targets and operational needs. * Expedite urgent or delayed orders to prevent stockouts and maintain service levels.

Aston Carter

Purchasing Specialist

Kent, WA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Monitor open purchase orders and assist in releasing quantities based on inventory targets and operational needs. * Expedite urgent or delayed orders to prevent stockouts and maintain service levels.

Aston Carter

Purchasing Specialist

Kent, WA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Monitor open purchase orders and assist in releasing quantities based on inventory targets and operational needs. * Expedite urgent or delayed orders to prevent stockouts and maintain service levels.

Rainier Industries

Purchasing Buyer

Seattle, WA

$30 - $38/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Buyer to manage end-to-end procurement activities and support production across multiple business units. This role ensures timely, cost-effective ...

rainier

Purchasing Buyer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Buyer to manage end-to-end procurement activities and support production across multiple business units. This role ensures timely, cost-effective ...

Sodexo

Purchasing Specialist

Kent, WA · On-site

About the job In this role, you'll play a key part in ensuring timely and cost-effective purchasing of essential products and services. By coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers, you ...

Sodexo

Purchasing Specialist

Kent, WA · On-site

About the job In this role, you'll play a key part in ensuring timely and cost-effective purchasing of essential products and services. By coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers, you ...

House Buyers of America

Purchasing Manager

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80K - $130K/yr

Purchasing Manager House Buyers of America is looking for a Purchasing Manager who will be responsible for bidding, managing and negotiating all contracts for our home renovations. This person will ...

Sodexo

Purchasing Specialist

Kent, WA · On-site

About the job In this role, you'll play a key part in ensuring timely and cost-effective purchasing of essential products and services. By coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers, you ...

House Buyers of America

Purchasing Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Purchasing Manager House Buyers of America is looking for a Purchasing Manager who will be responsible for bidding, managing and negotiating all contracts for our home renovations. This person will ...

Tessera

Aerospace Purchasing Buyer

Auburn, WA · On-site

$36 - $43.27/hr

The Purchasing Buyer plays a critical role in maintaining production flow by ensuring the right ... Review supplier performance and assist in resolving quality, delivery, pricing, and documentation ...

Sodexo

Purchasing Specialist

Kent, WA

About the job In this role, you'll play a key part in ensuring timely and cost-effective purchasing of essential products and services. By coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers, you ...

House Buyers of America

Purchasing Manager

Seattle, WA · Remote

$80K - $130K/yr

Purchasing Manager House Buyers of America is looking for a Purchasing Manager who will be responsible for bidding, managing and negotiating all contracts for our home renovations. This person will ...

Cochran Inc.

Purchasing Agent II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Job Title: Purchasing Agent II Reports to: Purchasing Manager Location: Seattle, WA Pay range: $65,000-75,000/year (Salary, Exempt) About Cochran Light up your career path and join Cochran, a ...

Cochran Inc.

Purchasing Agent II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Job Title: Purchasing Agent II Reports to: Purchasing Manager Location: Seattle, WA Pay range: $65,000-75,000/year (Salary, Exempt) About Cochran Light up your career path and join Cochran, a ...

AppleOne

Buyer/Purchasing Coordinator

Seattle, WA

$58K - $72K/yr

This role is ideal for a purchasing, procurement, or buying professional who enjoys working with vendors, coordinating materials, supporting field operations, and keeping orders moving accurately and ...

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All JobsPurchasing JobsPurchasing Assistant JobsPurchasing Assistant Jobs in University Place, WA

Purchasing Assistant information

See University Place, WA salary details

$14

$23

$32

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in University Place, WA is $23.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $25.53 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 are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in University Place, WA?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in University Place, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in University Place, WA?

For Purchasing Assistant jobs in University Place, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near University Place, WA are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs?

Cities near University Place, WA with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:

Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in University Place, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% 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 $48,419 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Purchasing Administrative Assistant

Harbor Wholesale

Lacey, WA • Hybrid

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Harbor Wholesale rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 49 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Overview

The Purchasing Administrative Assistant role is responsible for supporting Harbor's Purchasing and Supply Chain teams in a high level of various priority administrative tasks. This position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced, often demanding, and continuously evolving environment, providing critical support to members of the Harbor Purchasing and Supply Chain teams. This team member must have the ability to independently prioritize workload, multitask and meet deadlines while managing interruptions.

** This position is onsite for Lacey, WA or Modesto, CA., with hybrid eligibility. **

Compensation: $25-30/hr DOE

Benefits Summary: Benefits for Harbor Team Members paid holidays, personal holiday, vacation days, sick time, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Process purchase order (PO) confirmations and follow with system updates to requested changes, such as pricing, quantities, and dating.
  • Pair with Buyers to lead PO tracking efforts that require expediting, securing appointments, and related problem solving through vendor/broker contacts using various tracking methods.
  • Drive communication with vendor/broker contacts regarding item status, forward details to Buyers and Category Managers.
  • Develop expertise as point person for dedicated tasks as assigned (Ex. Warehouse Transfers, Rack/Non-stock ordering).
  • Generate and consolidate data from different sources or run canned reporting to distribute.
  • Consult with Buyers on opportunities to create efficiencies on specialized desks.
  • Contribute to department procedure development.
  • Engage in outreach projects with internal/external trade partners to facilitate maintenance requirements.
  • Support cross-training efforts for successful department coverage and provide out of office backup.
  • Continue professional development and certifications using internal/external educational tools.
  • Complete additional assorted projects as assigned by leadership.
Responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated administrative assistant or similar role responsibility supporting multiple team members in a large office or corporate setting.
  • Ability to balance tasks and reassess priorities in a fluid environment.
  • Self-motivated to identify challenges, ask questions, and find solutions whether working independently or as a team.
  • Maintain excellent, timely written and verbal communication skills often under time constraints with different audiences.
Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma/GED required; college degree or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Minimum 1-3 years computer competency in a variety of applications such as Microsoft Suite (Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, SharePoint, etc.);
  • Experience with ERP software (Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a plus); Comfort with learning new programs.
  • Expereince in a large corporate setting with multiple departments in a high-volume, fast pace environment.
Employment Type: OTHER

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