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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Towson University

Senior Purchasing Agent

Towson, MD · On-site

$88K - $103K/yr

The Senior Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring specialized and complex goods and services ... Associate Director and make procurement presentations to campus leadership and outside groups.

Clark Associates

Front End Associate

Gwynn Oak, MD · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

The Front End Associate supports key operational goals by efficiently handling cashier duties ... purchases into customer vehicles * Process customer returns and ensure items are restocked ...

Adecco US, Inc.

Warehouse Associate

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$18/hr

... purchase orders to sales orders and distributing orders to sales associates for processing · Read customer orders, work orders, shipping orders and requisitions to determine items to be moved ...

Adecco Colombia S.A.

Warehouse Associate

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$18/hr

... purchase orders to sales orders and distributing orders to sales associates for processing • Read customer orders, work orders, shipping orders and requisitions to determine items to be moved ...

Clark Associates

Front End Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

The Front End Associate supports key operational goals by efficiently handling cashier duties ... purchases into customer vehicles * Process customer returns and ensure items are restocked ...

Tailored Brands

Seasonal Sales Associate

Pikesville, MD · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Seasonal Sales Associate We invest in our people and continuously work towards fostering an ... purchase • Ongoing discounts on purchase made at any Tailored Brands store. What You Bring: • ...

Tailored Brands

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Columbia, MD · On-site

$15 - $17.25/hr

... purchase • Ongoing discounts on purchase made at any Tailored Brands store. What You Bring: • ... sales associates at all levels and contribute to a positive work environment Our Retail Sales ...

Tailored Brands

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Bel Air, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

... purchase • Ongoing discounts on purchase made at any Tailored Brands store. What You Bring: • ... Sales Associates are responsible for all aspects of the customer experience within ...

Tailored Brands

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

MD · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

... purchase • Ongoing discounts on purchase made at any Tailored Brands store. What You Bring: • ... sales associates at all levels and contribute to a positive work environment Our Retail Sales ...

Tailored Brands

Seasonal Sales Associate

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Seasonal Sales Associate We invest in our people and continuously work towards fostering an ... purchase • Ongoing discounts on purchase made at any Tailored Brands store. What You Bring: • ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$13

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$32

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Baltimore, MD is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $25.10 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.
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For Purchasing Associate jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Purchasing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,185 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Senior Purchasing Agent

Towson University

Towson, MD • On-site

$88K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Towson University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Summary
Towson University (TU) has earned distinction as both a top-100 public university and one of the nation's great colleges to work for. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect to cultivating the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
The Senior Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring specialized and complex goods and services involving the planning/preparation, solicitation, evaluation, awarding, and administering of contracts for a wide range of services. The position administers low to high-dollar-value procurements while ensuring vendor compliance with terms/conditions, and adherence, to University System of Maryland (USM) and State of MD requirements. This role may work with other USM campuses to source, award, and administer system-wide contracts. This role may also approve routine transactions and make other decisions in the absence of the Director/Associate Director and make procurement presentations to campus leadership and outside groups. Telework may be available for this position up to two days per week following the completion of 90 days of service in good standing.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Independently solicit, evaluate, award, and exercise contract renewals for low to high-dollar-value procurement but are not limited to information technology (IT), services contract, facilities maintenance, construction, commodities and or any other goods and services as assigned by the Procurement Director and Associate Procurement Director. Identify/screen new contract vehicles, validate customer sole-source and emergency justifications, and furnish end users with new contract vehicles, price, and data. Independently lead RFP evaluation teams, conduct IFB, process purchase orders, change orders, and contract modifications or amendments. Prepare and review bids and make contract awards to the most responsive and responsible bidder.
  • Independently provide proactive procedural/policy guidance and advice to Procurement customers to ensure fulfillment of the University's and the division's mission, goals, requirements, and schedules, and adherence to State of Maryland statues/regulations, Board of Public Works (BPW) advisories, USM Procurement Policies and Procedures, and best purchasing practices.
  • Independently advise end-users on new technology and contract vehicles etc. as appropriate. Consult on tactical issues (e.g., project planning, choice of contracting method, optimal source, term, and contract language, etc.). Remain current with USM, State of Maryland, and other contracts available for use by TU clients, to optimize available resources.
  • Independently interpret contract/acquisition law and requirements, representing the University in vendor negotiations as necessary to resolve issues and ensure best value. Resolve procurement issues between customers and suppliers, including difficult and complex contract modifications, disputes, claims and terminations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's Degree with at least two years of procurement related experience.
  • Knowledge of Maryland procurement statues/regulations, Uniform Commercial Code, Towson University and USM Procurement Policies and Procedures, and public-sector/higher education purchasing practices.
  • Skill in handling a variety of stakeholders, including campus customers, suppliers, elected/appointed officials, and the public. Skill in managing/resolving conflict and achieving consensus. Skill in technical writing, and public presentations--including persuasive writing/speaking.
  • Ability to organize large amounts of data, and to quickly grasp/assess a wide variety of markets and industries. Ability to be attentive to detail despite distractions/interruptions, to work under pressure, and manage competing priorities.
  • Ability to represent the University effectively in a variety of public settings, and to subordinate personal feelings/preferences to group goals.

Preferences
  • Two years' experience procuring information technology, IT consulting and services related procurement preferred.
  • Experience in higher-education or public-sector procurement strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits
Targeted salary range at $88,000 - $103,000 annually and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 15 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here . TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here .
This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your online application.

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