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Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Dollartree

Merchandising Assistant Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

As a Merchandise Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree, you'll join our Store Manager in leading a ... Employee Stock Purchase Program * Educational Assistance * Access to PerkSpot, an employee discount ...

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Purchasing Assistant information

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$13

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$29

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Waterloo, IA is $21.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.22 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 Waterloo, IA? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Assistant job openings in Waterloo, IA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,064 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Merchandising Assistant Manager

Merchandising Assistant Manager

Dollar Tree

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Dollar Tree rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 2,499 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Your Role at Dollar Tree:
As a Merchandise Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree, you'll join our Store Manager in leading a dynamic team of associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role, you'll focus on merchandising and processing freight.
Your job duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Assist with all store functions and day-to-day activities

  • Perform opening and closing procedures as needed

  • Protect and secure company assets, including store cash

  • Adhere to all policies and procedures, including safety guidelines

  • Maintain areas of the store, including stockroom and sales floor, to company standards

  • Process all corporate directives such as Pull and Hold/Destroy, Task Compliance, Key Survey information requests, and any additional communications related to store activities

  • Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness throughout the store, including cleaning and restocking bathrooms, sweeping and mopping floors, taking out the trash, and ensuring all areas are neat and presentable

  • Ensure a positive, safe, and respectful environment while maintaining professional and friendly interactions with customers, associates, and leaders

  • Other duties as assigned*

In addition, you'll assist the Store Manager with the following duties as assigned:
  • Process the receipt and return of DSD merchandise

  • Manage freight flow in accordance with productivity standards

  • Order and stock merchandise needs, including frozen & refrigerated, in accordance with productivity standards

  • Ensure that the sales floor is sales-effective

  • Plan, merchandise, and maintain Clip Strips and Power Panels with sales effective items

  • Plan and implement monthly Sales Planners

Your Skills and Experience:
  • Prior retail and management experience is preferred

  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and written skills are required

  • Must be able to lift between 30 and 50 lbs. from floor to above shoulder height and meet demands of frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, climbing, pushing, pulling, and repetitive lifting, with or without reasonable accommodation

  • Ability to work in a high-energy, team environment is required

Your Perks and Benefits:
We offer a wide variety of rewards to support your health, wealth, and mental well-being. In addition to medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision insurance, we offer:
  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Paid time off

  • Retirement plans with matching contributions

  • Employee Stock Purchase Program

  • Educational Assistance

  • Access to PerkSpot, an employee discount platform for goods and services

  • And much more!

Who We Are:
At Dollar Tree, we make a difference in the lives of our customers every day by exceeding their expectations and delivering value - it's what our business is built on. Our associates play an important role in this commitment by embracing change and showing up for their teams and their communities.
We see an exciting path forward as our company continues to grow and transform - and we know that this path starts with you.
Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. This is not to be considered a complete list of job duties, which appear in the job description for this position, and which may be amended from time to time at the discretion of Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.
Please note, this job description is not a contract of employment and may be modified to meet evolving business needs. Employment at Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.
Full time
5911 University Avenue,Cedar Falls,Iowa 50613-5566
02259
Dollar Tree

What Dollar Tree employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Dollar Tree

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, we put value front and center for our customers. We do this by providing our customers with quality merchandise, amazing values, convenience, and a fun shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of the hunt at Dollar Tree or shopping for your favorite brands at Family Dollar, you’re sure to find savings on a great selection of merchandise in our stores.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chesapeake, VA, US

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