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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Downingtown, PA (NOW HIRING)

Bakery Associate/Decorator

Sanatoga, PA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

They will ice pastries, decorate cakes; fill displays while also assisting customers with purchases and any other tasks assigned by management. Bakery Associates are responsible for maintaining a ...

Job Responsibilities As a Stock Associate, you will play an important role in the lifecycle of every customers' purchase. You will offload and load trailers of furniture to be assembled, arranged and ...

New

As a Stock Associate, you will play an important role in the lifecycle of every customers' purchase. You will offload and load trailers of furniture to be assembled, arranged and displayed on the ...

Seasonal Sales Associate

Exton, PA · On-site

$13 - $15.50/hr

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

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/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 ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Downingtown, PA salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Downingtown, PA is $23.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $26.15 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 Downingtown, PA?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Downingtown, PA are:

What cities near Downingtown, PA are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs?

Cities near Downingtown, PA with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Downingtown, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,240 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Technical Purchaser-Paulsboro, New Jersey

COIM USA, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Description
Position Responsibilities
  • Assist Operations to ensure and secure vendor list for the various aspects of projects and parts.
  • Perform Bid analysis for projects packages or comparative quotes for single purchase.
  • Processes Purchase Requisitions from areas to Orders.
  • Optimize Term and conditions to order or contracts.
  • Balance payment term against net monetary amount of the goods.
  • Makes sure to receive a PO acknowledgement from Vendor.
  • Makes sure to receive a PO confirmation with a delivery date from Vendor.
  • Will support: Engineering, Maintenance, Plant Consumables Non-Stock items, Laboratories.
  • Interacts with suppliers in case of delay in delivery or damaged goods.
  • Work with QA for formal SCAR reports.Assist in reviewing discrepancy with the area managers to any discrepancy between Purchase Order and Invoice.
  • Coordinate with EHS and Finance to keep Approved Vendor questionnaires / documentation updated (ISO).
  • Perform periodic analysis on performance against cost analysis for periodic purchase and services (as services contractors and forklifts.
  • Maintains/Update supplier quality system.
  • Will participate of negotiations together with requesting areas - seeking for cost reductions and quality
  • Measures and publicizes Supplier Performance periodically. Timing could be variable based on service and spending.
  • Familiarity with international INCOTERM payment terms, including the coordination of logistics and compliance with freight forwarders for import clearance for equipment arriving from overseas.

SAFETY
  • Attend all company sponsored safety programs. Keep work area safe.

Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Associates Degree or equivalent, with relevant experience.
  • 2-years of technical purchasing experience preferred

COMPETENCIES AND CORE SKILLS
  • Think and act considering the entire flow of the activities, not only Purchasing
  • Must have good verbal skills and team working approach
  • Computer Skills - including Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, Navision (or similar system).
  • Have the understanding of basic office equipment; telephones, printers, copiers and fax machines
  • Some background experience in customer service, inventory control, transportation and warehousing functions is needed.
  • Proficient in data entry
  • Proficient in math calc and conversion (weight / length/ currencies)
  • Attention to detail

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Sitting for extended periods of time using a computer.
  • Walking between departments and using stairs.