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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Clerk

Du Bois, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Associate degree * Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory control, or administrative support Key Competencies * Accuracy and attention to detail * Strong follow-up and tracking ...

Purchasing Clerk

Du Bois, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Associate degree * Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory control, or administrative support Key Competencies * Accuracy and attention to detail * Strong follow-up and tracking ...

New

Purchasing Clerk

Du Bois, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Associate degree * Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory control, or administrative support Key Competencies * Accuracy and attention to detail * Strong follow-up and tracking ...

New

Purchasing Clerk

Du Bois, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Associate degree * Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory control, or administrative support Key Competencies * Accuracy and attention to detail * Strong follow-up and tracking ...

Associates degree with 1-2 years direct working experience or bachelor's degree required (new ... inventory purchases. Capable of applying concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Purchasing Associate information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$13

$22

$32

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Pennsylvania is $22.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a purchasing associate do?

Purchasing associates monitors company inventory and orders new stock when necessary. As a purchasing associate, you contact vendors, create new order contracts, and ensure the company receives the supplies on time. You may also keep track of inventory budgets and file purchasing paperwork. Qualifications to become a purchasing associate include familiarity with basic office programs and industry experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a purchasing associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Purchasing Associate, you need a solid understanding of procurement processes, inventory management, and basic financial principles, often supported by a degree in business or supply chain management. Familiarity with ERP systems, purchasing software, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are typically required, along with possible certifications like the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP). Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills help you build relationships with vendors and manage multiple priorities effectively. These skills ensure cost-effective purchasing decisions, smooth supply chain operations, and reliable vendor partnerships.

What are some common challenges faced by purchasing associates, and how can they be effectively managed?

Purchasing Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple vendor relationships, ensuring timely deliveries, and balancing cost with quality. Staying organized, maintaining clear communication with suppliers, and closely tracking inventory levels are key strategies to handle these issues. Additionally, collaborating with internal departments helps align purchasing decisions with organizational needs, leading to more efficient workflows and better outcomes.

What is the difference between Purchasing Associate vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectPurchasing AssociatePurchasing Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesAssist in procurement, process purchase orders, maintain supplier infoCoordinate purchase activities, communicate with vendors, track orders
Required SkillsBasic procurement knowledge, organizational skillsCommunication skills, attention to detail, familiarity with procurement processes
CertificationsNone typically required, some may have APICS or CIPSSimilar certifications may be preferred but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, procurement departmentOffice environment, often working closely with procurement teams

While both roles support procurement functions, a Purchasing Associate primarily assists with order processing and supplier data, whereas a Purchasing Coordinator manages coordination and communication across procurement activities. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus within the purchasing process.

Is purchasing a good career?

Purchasing is a viable career that involves sourcing and acquiring goods or services for organizations, often requiring skills in negotiation, supply chain management, and familiarity with procurement software. It offers opportunities for advancement into roles such as procurement manager or supply chain analyst and can provide stable employment in various industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Associate jobs in PA?

For Purchasing Associate jobs in PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,601 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 hours ago


Southland Industries rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary

This role is responsible for assisting the purchasing team with material orders, take offs, will call orders, data entry, expediting, invoicing errors and other duties that the purchasing manage determines needs support. 

Position Details

  • Assists Purchasing team with placing orders.​  
  • Partners with suppliers to follow-up on delivery dates and back orders. Tracks the status of all back orders and informs appropriate team members and departments of any issues.  
  • ​​Maintains current and accurate files of suppliers pricing within the ERP system and purchasing spreadsheets.​  
  • Assists with processing material receivers. ​Coordinates bulk deliveries of rough products, to meet deadlines. 
  • Assists with processing material returns and credits.  
  • ​​Supports the RFQ, RFP processes to obtain product information such as pricing, availability, and delivery schedule.  

Qualifications 

  • High school degree or G.E.D  
  • ​Minimum 1 year experience in purchasing or customer service support   
  • ​Basic of purchasing practices and systems preferred  
  • ​Basic time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, while planning and executing timely, effectively, efficiently, and accurately  
  • ​Basic analytical and problem solving skills, quality oriented, and strong attention to detail required  
  • ​Ability to operate a personal computer using spreadsheet, word processing, data base software, and experience using ERP software. (COINS preferred)  
  • ​Ability to work in a continuous improvement environment  
  • ​Ability to work effectively with suppliers, customers, project management team, field staff, and accounting in a team environment.  
  • ​Good verbal and written communication skills.​

Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

  • 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
  • Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
  • Disability income protection insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
  • Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
  • Wellness benefits 

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. 

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).


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