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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

NTI

Purchasing Specialist

Rockville, MD · On-site

Salary: $65k-$85k Overview A purchasing specialist manages the purchasing and procurement process, including researching, selecting, and negotiating the best prices and terms for materials, supplies ...

Futron Incorporated

Purchasing Agent

Woodbridge, VA

$65K/yr

Purchasing Agent Location: On-site - Woodbridge, Virginia Job Type: Full-Time, Salary starting at $65,000 based on experience Education & Experience * High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree ...

Futron Incorporated

Purchasing Agent

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$65K/yr

Purchasing Agent Location: On-site - Woodbridge, Virginia Job Type: Full-Time, Salary starting at $65,000 based on experience Education & Experience * High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree ...

NTI

Purchasing Specialist

Rockville, MD · On-site

Overview A purchasing specialist manages the purchasing and procurement process, including researching, selecting, and negotiating the best prices and terms for materials, supplies, and services.

CRI

Purchasing Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

CRI is seeking a qualified Purchasing Specialist to fulfill a role within our company's Integrated Security Group. This person will lead tasks related to purchasing, to include pricing quote/proposal ...

CRI

Purchasing Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

This person will lead tasks related to purchasing, to include pricing quote/proposal support, inventory management, as well as material ordering, tracking, shipping and coordination of equipment ...

CRI

Purchasing Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

This person will lead tasks related to purchasing, to include pricing quote/proposal support, inventory management, as well as material ordering, tracking, shipping and coordination of equipment ...

stanleymartin

Purchasing Manager

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$76K - $89K/yr

A day in the life A day in the life of a Purchasing Manager at Stanley Martin Homes involves overseeing every aspect of contracting and purchasing to ensure the smooth production of homes. Your day ...

Aston Carter

Purchasing Expeditor

Columbia, MD · On-site

$21.63 - $26.44/hr

Must have 3+ years of purchasing or manufacturing experience * Microsoft Office Suite * High School Diploma Experience Level Intermediate Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based ...

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All JobsPurchasing JobsPurchasing Assistant JobsPurchasing Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC

Purchasing Assistant information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Washington, DC is $24.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $26.49 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 are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in Washington, DC? For Purchasing Assistant jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Assistant jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Assistant jobs in Washington, DC are:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,287 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Purchasing Specialist

Systems Planning and Analysis

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) is seeking a Mid-level Procurement Specialist, to fulfill a hybrid role (HQ in Alexandria, VA and Telework) with responsibility for the sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of indirect goods and services that support day-to-day operations within a defense contracting environment across the entire organization. This role focuses exclusively on indirect categories (e.g., facilities, IT Hardware and Software, IT Maintenance, professional services, training, consultant services, and other non-production spend) and ensures compliance with company policy. The ideal candidate will have experience and knowledge negotiating favorable software and hardware terms and conditions, as well as an understanding of software and hardware uses in a highly secure cyber environment.
Responsibilities
  • Manage the full procurement lifecycle for indirect materials and services, from requisition through PO placement, delivery, and closeout.
  • Develop, compliant and comprehensive Requests for Proposals (RFP) and/or Requests for Quotation (RFQs).
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions to achieve best value (cost, quality, delivery, and risk).
  • Prepare and maintain all required procurement documentation, including sole/single source justifications, price/cost analyses, and negotiation summaries.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing accurate, complete procurement records.
  • Develop, negotiate, award and expedite purchase orders of varying value, for short duration services and tangible goods in accordance with company policy.
  • Identify, qualify, and maintain a competitive supplier base for a variety of indirect categories.
  • Assist in the receipt and tracking of company procured property and materials.
  • Monitor supplier performance (on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness) and support corrective actions when needed.
  • Identify, qualify, and maintain a competitive supplier base for a variety of indirect categories.
  • Assess supplier and contract risks for indirect categories and propose mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure appropriate procurement vehicles are in place (e.g., service-level agreements, blanket purchasing agreement, long-term purchasing agreements, performance metrics.
  • Work as an integral cross functional team player across operational, programmatic, financial and contractual groups.
  • Establish and foster collaborative internal and external customer relations at all levels of the organization, acting as liaison with subcontractors, suppliers and vendors.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in business or related field is desired
  • 3 to 5 (or 5+ years in absence of bachelor's degree) years of experience in procurement and/or subcontract administration
  • Experience negotiating terms and conditions, with emphasis on terms and conditions for software licenses or subscriptions, software/hardware product support and maintenance
  • Ability to interface with all levels of management
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills are required
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel
  • Ability to be flexible and work independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience with Deltek Costpoint

Desired Qualifications:
  • Some level of experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
  • Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and e-procurement tools
  • Inventory and property management and administration

Pay Range Information
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $85,000.00/Yr. - USD $132,600.00/Yr.

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