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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Columbia, MO (NOW HIRING)

HDO Operations Associate (Contract) Location: Remote Duration: 6-month assignment About the role * ... Coordinate contract writing workflows, update line items on purchase orders, and ensure all ...

HDO Operations Associate (Contract) Location: Remote Duration: 6-month assignment About the role * ... Coordinate contract writing workflows, update line items on purchase orders, and ensure all ...

... associates greet customers on the salesfloor and offer them assistance. They are tech savvy and ... Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off ...

Checkout Team Associate

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$15 - $28/hr

... associates run our registers. They smile, greet and thank customers, ring up items, process ... Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off ...

... associates run our registers. They smile, greet and thank customers, ring up items, process ... Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off ...

Entertainment Team Associate

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$15 - $28/hr

... associates greet customers on the salesfloor and offer them assistance. They are tech savvy and ... Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off ...

Checkout Team Associate

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$15 - $28/hr

... associates run our registers. They smile, greet and thank customers, ring up items, process ... Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off ...

Asset Protection Associate

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$18 - $31/hr

... our associates, customers and merchandise. Working in this role will involve investigating ... Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off ...

Counter Sales Associate

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

As a Counter Sales Associate, you will be the face of our company, providing exceptional service to ... Greet customers warmly and assist them with their inquiries and purchases * Operate the Point of ...

Counter Sales Associate

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

As a Counter Sales Associate, you will be the face of our company, providing exceptional service to ... Greet customers warmly and assist them with their inquiries and purchases * Operate the Point of ...

Counter Sales Associate

Columbia, MO

$15.25 - $19/hr

As a Counter Sales Associate, you will be the face of our company, providing exceptional service to ... Greet customers warmly and assist them with their inquiries and purchases * Operate the Point of ...

Asset Protection Associate

Boonville, MO ยท On-site

$18 - $31/hr

... our associates, customers and merchandise. Working in this role will involve investigating ... Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off ...

Asset Protection Associate

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$18 - $31/hr

... our associates, customers and merchandise. Working in this role will involve investigating ... Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off ...

SALES ASSOCIATE in FULTON, MO S04993

Fulton, MO ยท On-site

$13 - $14.75/hr

The duties of the Sales Associate include assisting customers in locating and purchasing merchandise, operating the cash register, stocking merchandise, recovering merchandise, cleaning the store ...

Showing results 41-60

Purchasing Associate information

See Columbia, MO salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Columbia, MO is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 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 Columbia, MO?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Columbia, MO are:

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Associate jobs in Columbia, MO?

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

What job categories do people searching Purchasing Associate jobs in Columbia, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing Associate jobs in Columbia, MO are:

What cities near Columbia, MO are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MO with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Columbia, MO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,189 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

HDO Operations Associate

LeadStack Inc.

California, MO โ€ข Remote

$115/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

This range is provided by LeadStack Inc. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience โ€” talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$115.00/hr - $115.00/hr

Direct message the job poster from LeadStack Inc.

Job title: HDO Operations Associate (Contract)

Location: Remote

Duration: 6-month assignment

Job Description

About the role

  • We're looking for an Operations Associate to help scale our vendor partnership and data operations initiatives. You'll be the operational backbone of our Human Data Operations team, managing the end-to-end lifecycle of vendor onboarding, contract administration, and project coordination.
  • Your attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple stakeholders will be critical in ensuring our vendor partnerships run smoothly and our data operations projects launch successfully.

Responsibilities:

  • Vendor Lifecycle Management: Onboard new vendors and contractors by coordinating data collection, managing access provisioning, updating contracts, and maintaining accurate vendor records (contact information, work location, etc.).
  • Respond to ongoing vendor requests including tooling access setup, and administrative support for project launches.
  • Contract & Agreement Administration:
  • Coordinate contract writing workflows, update line items on purchase orders, and ensure all documentation is properly filed and tracked through our contract management systems.

Project Coordination & Documentation:

  • Transform project requirements into actionable workflows by creating necessary Google Drive folders, managing sharing permissions, coordinating with contractors and customers, and organizing all project deliverables and results. Ensure all customer documents are routed to appropriate shared drives and accessible to the team.
  • Scheduling & Communication: Coordinate vendor meetings, manage calendars across multiple stakeholders.
  • Process Management & Reporting: Maintain and update project trackers and dashboards, gather key data needed for vendor management and project monitoring, process tickets for issues and feature requests, and identify opportunities to streamline operations.
  • You may be a good fit if you:
  • You have 1โ€2+ years of experience in operations, business operations, or administrative roles managing vendor relationships or multiple stakeholders.
  • You're detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage many moving pieces simultaneously.
  • You excel in a fastโ€paced environment and thrive with ambiguity, quickly adapting to new processes.
  • You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and can interface professionally with both internal teams and external vendors.
  • You're proactive and selfโ€directedโ€”comfortable identifying what needs to be done and following through without constant direction.

Strong candidates may also:

  • Have experience with contract management, procurement, or vendor onboarding processes.
  • Be comfortable with automation tools and workflows.
  • Have experience working in fastโ€growing tech or research environments.

Seniority Level

Midโ€Senior level

Employment Type

Contract

Job Function

Administrative and Other

Industries: Technology, Information and Media