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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Lennar Homes

Purchasing Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Purchasing Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated to ... Communicate proactively with division associates and benchmark sourcing practices. Develop and use ...

Lennar

Purchasing Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Purchasing Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated to ... Communicate proactively with division associates and benchmark sourcing practices. * Develop and ...

Lennar

Purchasing Manager

Des Moines, IA

Purchasing Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated to ... Communicate proactively with division associates and benchmark sourcing practices. * Develop and ...

Lennar USA

Purchasing Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Purchasing Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated to ... Communicate proactively with division associates and benchmark sourcing practices. * Develop and ...

New

Lennar

Purchasing Agent

Des Moines, IA

... Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500 company and ... Join a Company that Empowers you to BuildyourFuture The Purchasing Agent is responsible for ...

Posted today

Lennar Homes

Purchasing Agent

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500 ® company and ... Additionally, support the VP of Purchasing by managing the department's community timeline and ...

New

Lennar

Purchasing Assistant

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

A Career that Empowers You to Build Your Future The Purchasing Assistant is a highly motivated ... Our Associates have access to robust health insurance plans, including Medical, Dental, and Vision ...

Lennar

Purchasing Assistant

Des Moines, IA

$18.50 - $24/hr

... Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500 company and ... A Career that Empowers You to Build Your Future The Purchasing Assistant is a highly motivated ...

Lennar Homes

Purchasing Assistant

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

A Career that Empowers You to Build Your Future The Purchasing Assistant is a highly motivated ... Our Associates have access to robust health insurance plans, including Medical, Dental, and Vision ...

Compass Group

Purchasing Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

Purchasing Manager @ Iowa State University Salary: $60,000 Different perspectives make us better ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Seaboard Foods

Purchasing Coordinator - Ames, IA

Ames, IA

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Associate's Degree SCHEDULE This position will be working out of our Ames, IA office. The expected ... Employee pork purchase program For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site:

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Purchasing Associate information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Des Moines, IA is $22.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.62 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.
More about Purchasing Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Des Moines, IA?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs?

Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:

Purchasing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,344 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Purchasing Manager

LAM Lennar Associates Mgmt LLC

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Purchasing Manager

Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated to making an impact and creating an extraordinary experience for their Homeowners, Communities, and Associates by building quality homes and providing exceptional customer service, giving back to the communities in which we work and live in, and fostering a culture of opportunity and growth for our Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500® company and consistently ranked among the top homebuilders in the United States.

Join a Company that Empowers you to Build your Future

A career with purpose. A career built on making dreams come true. A career built on building zero defect homes, cost management, and adherence to schedules.

Your Responsibilities on the Team
  • Ensure Lennar has top-quality trade partners for production needs, focusing on quality, scheduling adherence, and pricing.
  • Conduct trade partner audits as directed, assessing quality and adherence to schedules.
  • Source, contract, negotiate, and onboard new trade partners with required insurance to meet production demands.
  • Travel to sites to assess and communicate trade partner performance to the Director of Purchasing.
  • Implement material sourcing strategies to optimize supply chain flow for designated categories.
  • Stay updated on industry trends and best practices for specified sourcing categories.
  • Facilitate value‑engineering sessions with trade partners and division associates.
  • Communicate proactively with division associates and benchmark sourcing practices.
  • Develop and use should‑cost models for cost estimation and optimization.
  • Monitor and improve divisional cost per square foot for specified categories.
  • Negotiate and validate pricing and legitimacy of Extra Purchase Orders (EPOs).
  • Review and ensure accuracy of all scopes of work, resolving issues with Expeditor as needed.
Requirements
  • College degree preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years sourcing and managing Supplier/Trade Partner relationships, ideally with a National Homebuilder.
  • Superior analytical and communication skills required.
  • JDE/AS400 experience preferred.
  • Proficient in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
  • Significant knowledge of the residential homebuilding industry.
  • Sound financial management knowledge.
  • Strong project management capabilities.
  • Effective negotiating and influencing skills.
Physical & Office/Site Presence Requirements
  • This is primarily a sedentary office position which requires the ability to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, lift, move and carry office supplies weighing 25 pounds or less.
  • Finger dexterity is required to operate computer keyboard, calculator and telephone equipment.
Life at Lennar

At Lennar, we are committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our Associates, offering a comprehensive array of benefits designed to enhance their well-being and professional growth.

Our Associates have access to robust health insurance plans, including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, ensuring their health needs are well taken care of.

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan, complete with a $1 for $1 Company Match up to 5%.
  • Paid Parental Leave and an Associate Assistance Plan.
  • Education Assistance Program and up to $30,000 in Adoption Assistance.
  • Up to three weeks of vacation annually, alongside generous Holiday, Sick Leave, and Personal Day policies.
  • New Hire Referral Bonus Program.
  • Significant Home Purchase Discounts.
  • Everyone’s Included Day.

Lennar Associates will have access to these benefits as outlined by Lennar’s policies and applicable plan terms. Visit Lennartotalrewards.com to view our suite of benefits.

Work Where Everyone’s Included

We’re committed to building and sustaining an inclusive culture where everyone has a seat at the table, and we’re all on a first-name basis. This inclusive culture influences our hiring practices, the communities we serve and how we build better career experiences for all our Associates.

Lennar is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws.

If you’re interested in helping people find their future homes and, in doing so, build a better future for themselves, then Lennar is the place for you.

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