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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Bangor, ME (NOW HIRING)

Marden's locates and purchases overstocks, closeouts, insurance losses, liquidations, salvage deals ... full-time associates Paid Holidays (full-time associates) Paid time off Health Savings and 401K ...

Retail Merchandise Associate

Bangor, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $15.60/hr

Accurately rings customer purchases/returns and counts change back to customer according to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Store Associate

Ellsworth, ME · On-site +1

$37K - $47K/yr

Summary Store Associates work either independently or as part of a team in any assigned retail area ... Operating an electronic checkout system to record unit price, total customer purchase, and make ...

... associates have one focus: to fill and dispense online orders. They locate, prepare, and package ... Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off ...

Retail Merchandise Associate

Bangor, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $15.60/hr

Accurately rings customer purchases/returns and counts change back to customer according to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Sales Associate

Ellsworth, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $15.60/hr

Accurately rings customer purchases/returns and counts change back to customer according to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Sales Associate

Ellsworth, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $15.60/hr

... purchases/returns and counts change back to customer according to established operating procedures Promotes credit and loyalty programs Maintains and upholds merchandising philosophy and follows ...

Showing results 41-60

Purchasing Associate information

See Bangor, ME salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Bangor, ME is $23.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $25.67 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 Bangor, ME?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Bangor, ME are:

What cities near Bangor, ME are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs?

Cities near Bangor, ME with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Bangor, ME as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,295 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Associate - Hiring Bonus

Marden's

Ellsworth, ME • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Marden's rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
About Us:
New Hire Bonus - up to $1,000 - Plus a $1.00/hour seasonal differential (May - October)
Marden's is a family-owned company with 13 retail stores and 3 warehouses all in Maine. Marden's locates and purchases overstocks, closeouts, insurance losses, liquidations, salvage deals, discontinued items, and other deals across the country and sells them at discounted prices.
Benefits of working for Marden's
Fun and exciting work environment
Every other weekend off (if desired)
Professional development and growth
20% Employee Discount on most items!!?(On Already LOW Prices!)
Access to medical, dental, life and short-term disability insurance for full-time associates
Paid Holidays (full-time associates)
Paid time off
Health Savings and 401K with matching benefit amounts
Employee Assistance Program
What you'll contribute to the team:
Demonstrated sales and customer service results in a fast-paced environment
Availability for varied weekly shifts including weekend, closing and peak hour shifts
Effective communication skills, being open to feedback and the ability to act on it.
A willingness to learn and adapt; flexible to change and open to try new ways of doing things.
Ability to stand, walk, lift items up to 40 pounds, and work with other team members to provide excellent customer service.
High level of energy to promote a positive work environment.
Must be willing to submit to a background check and pre-employment physical
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not make employment decisions based on an individual's race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we comply with all laws concerning non-discriminatory employment practices.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Requirements
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED): or one to three months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combinations of education and experience. Some knowledge of merchandise or willingness to learn about merchandise merchandising.
Language Skills:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to add and subtract six-digit numbers and to multiply and divide.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, and use hand to finger handling, or feel, reach with hands and arms up to 90% of the time. Kneel, stoop, crouch, talk and hear. The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds up to 80% of the time and lift/or move 40 pounds 20% of the time. Anything over 40 pounds requires a team lift or mechanical assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Note: Ability to operate a manual pallet jack after adequate training.

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