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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Purchaser

Madison, WI · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Associate or bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or related field * 3+ years of purchasing, supply chain, or equivalent construction/EPC experience (related industry preferred)

Title: Associate Buyer Duration: Through 2027 Location: Remote Summary Responsible for placing ... Performs purchase order follow up activities with suppliers including order and delivery ...

Reviews daily purchasing reports and system recommendations and determines proper quantities and ... Associate's Degree in Business or related field required; Bachelor's Degree preferred * 1 year of ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Wisconsin is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Purchasing Associate do?

A Purchasing Associate is responsible for supporting an organization’s procurement process by sourcing suppliers, obtaining quotes, and placing orders for goods and services. They maintain records of purchases, track inventory levels, and ensure that materials are delivered on time. Purchasing Associates often communicate with vendors, negotiate prices, and help resolve any issues with orders to ensure smooth operations. Their role is essential in maintaining cost efficiency and timely supply within a company.

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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Purchasing associates can earn around $3,000 a month depending on experience, location, and industry. Many such roles require strong organizational skills and familiarity with procurement software but do not typically require a college degree. Other jobs that pay similar wages without a degree include sales representatives, administrative assistants, and certain skilled trades like electricians or HVAC technicians with proper certification.

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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Associate jobs in WI? For Purchasing Associate jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Wisconsin as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,932 per year, or $23 per hour.

Purchasing Agent - New Berlin, WI

Groupe St-Hubert

New Berlin, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

At Konecranes, we believe that great customer experience is built on the people behind the Konecranes name. Everything we do, we do with passion and drive. We believe diversity drives business success and is the foundation for our growth. We welcome different backgrounds and skills that enrich our community and we promote a place where we can ALL be ourselves. This is what makes Konecranes a unique place to work.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities: 

The responsibilities of the Purchasing Agent (PA) will include, but not be limited to the following daily, weekly, monthly and annual activities.

  • The PA is assigned specific commodities they will be responsible for.
  • The PA is responsible for communicating all component requirements to the potential supply sources, assuring strict conformance to Konecranes product specifications and quality program.
  • Working with internal and external functional groups is required to assure timelines, cost structure, contractual obligations and all manufacturing/engineering needs are realized.
  • Responsible for sourcing and negotiating the most favorable overall "value" and lead-time without compromising quality or customer requirements.
  • Responsible for a thorough review and comparison of all major quoting activity to project and sales estimates to assure margins and impacts are realized and communicated when and to whom necessary.
  • Perform continuous system maintenance at the part number, supplier, and PA levels to assure system integrity is intact and information is correct for all viewers.
  • Responsible for daily review of open purchase requisitions and sourcing material to sources with the required capabilities, capacity and quality program required for a demanding market.
  • Obtain quotes for other functional groups such as Design Engineering, Application Engineering and Service Group as needed.
  • Act on system generated material exceptions, expediting, delaying or cancelling on-order material as necessary, and communicating results to the required group or individual.
  • Write and document work instructions for our ERP system (SAP) as well as general work-flow to allow continuous improvement.
  •  Meet all annual goals and objectives assigned by the Purchasing Manager, with constant communication throughout the calendar year.  Goals and Objectives can and will be adjusted where and when necessary.
  • 5 Years working experience within a Procurement role is required, working with commodity based buying and one-off quantities. Associates or higher college degree preferred but not required.
  • Ability to read engineering drawings/blueprints is required.
  • Knowledge and understanding of heavy steel and associated processes including welding, machining, etc.
Qualifications

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or related discipline strongly preferred. 

EXPERIENCE: One to three years of Purchasing related experience required. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of SAP, Oracle or other ERP system is required. Excellent personal computer skills required.  Must be comfortable navigating in various software systems simultaneously. Knowledge of Manufacturing processes and ability to read blueprints is preferred.  Ability to work in a team structured, fast paced, and multitasking work environment is required.  Strong written and verbal communication skills needed.  Must be efficient, highly organized, motivated and detail oriented, with the ability to prioritize work. Strong analytical, reasoning, and problem solving skills required. Must have strong Microsoft Excel experience.  Ability to travel approximately up to 20% is required.  Salary commensurate with experience. 

Additional Information

What we offer : 

Benefits: Medical Plan, Dental, Vision, 401k plan with a match from day one, profit sharing, identity theft protection, accident insurance, travel insurance and so much more!

Vacation: 2 weeks of vacation per year (pro-rated for the first year depending on start date). 5-12 years of service, 3 weeks. 13+ years of service, 4 weeks.

Sick Leave: 5 days of Sick Leave per year. Pro-rated the first year after 90 days of service

Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year

Konecranes moves what matters. Konecranes is a global leader in material handling solutions, serving a broad range of customers across multiple industries. We consistently set the industry benchmark, from everyday improvements to the breakthroughs at moments that matter most, because we know we can always find a safer, more productive and sustainable way. That's why, with 16 000+ professionals in over 50 countries, we are trusted every day to lift, handle and move what the world needs.
Konecranes is committed to ensuring that all employees and job applicants are treated fairly in an environment which is free from any form of discrimination. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Other Protected Category.
Konecranes, Inc. and its affiliates will not accept resumes from external recruiters or agencies without a Service Agreement and Agency Portal submission. Any resumes sent without a Service Agreement and Agency Portal submission with Konecranes, Inc. are void of any fees and free for internal use. Applicable Konecranes data protection obligations are the responsibility of the agency.