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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Elk River, MN (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Associate

Elk River, MN · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Job Title: Purchasing Associate We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant to support a busy procurement team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role focuses on ...

Purchasing Associate

Elk River, MN · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Job Title: Purchasing Associate We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant to support a busy procurement team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role focuses on ...

Purchasing Associate

Elk River, MN · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Job Title: Purchasing Associate We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant to support a busy procurement team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role focuses on ...

Purchasing Associate

Elk River, MN · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Job Title: Purchasing Associate We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant to support a busy procurement team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role focuses on ...

Purchasing Manager

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$63K - $98K/yr

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 ...

Purchasing Manager

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$63K - $98K/yr

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 ...

Purchasing Manager

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$63K - $98K/yr

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 ...

Sr Purchasing Manager

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$77K - $115K/yr

Sr Purchasing Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated ... Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500 ® company and ...

Sr Purchasing Manager

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$77.08 - $115.62/hr

Sr Purchasing Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated ... Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500 company and ...

Sr Purchasing Manager

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$77K - $115K/yr

Sr Purchasing Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated ... Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500 company and ...

Sr Purchasing Manager

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$77K - $115K/yr

Sr Purchasing Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated ... Associates throughout their career. Lennar has been recognized as a Fortune 500 ® company and ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Elk River, MN salary details

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How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Elk River, MN is $24.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $26.73 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 Elk River, MN?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Elk River, MN are:

What cities near Elk River, MN are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs?

Cities near Elk River, MN with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Elk River, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,280 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Purchasing Associate

Aston Carter

Elk River, MN • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Purchasing Associate

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant to support a busy procurement team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role focuses on administrative and transactional purchasing activities, helping buyers maintain accurate procurement data, vendor information, and reporting. The ideal candidate enjoys working with data, following processes, and supporting supply chain operations.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain and update pricing information within ERP systems.
  • Process date revisions and purchasing-related updates.
  • Run and distribute purchasing and supply chain reports.
  • Perform high-volume data entry with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Match invoices to purchase orders and receipts.
  • Research and resolve invoice discrepancies with internal teams and vendors.
  • Review and compare data sets to identify inconsistencies and errors.
  • Support purchasing and procurement teams with administrative tasks.
  • Assist with daily operational activities and reporting requirements.
  • Follow established procedures and processes without direct purchasing decision-making responsibilities.

Essential Skills

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Internship, entry-level experience, or 1+ year of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, administrative support, or data entry.
  • Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including data formatting, basic formulas and functions, and VLOOKUP and/or XLOOKUP.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Teams, and Excel.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience using Epicor ERP.
  • Manufacturing industry experience.
  • Previous invoicing, accounts payable, or purchase order experience.
  • High-volume data entry experience.

Work Environment

Join an established purchasing group consisting of buyers, buyers, and associate buyers in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment. The role is primarily based in a cubicle-office setting with onsite amenities including a fitness center and vending area.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Elk River, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Elk River,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Aston Carter

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Aston Carter, we're dedicated to expanding career opportunities for the skilled professionals who power our business. Our success is driven by the talented, motivated people who join our team across a range of positions - from recruiting, sales and delivery to corporate roles. As part of our team, employees have the opportunity for long-term career success, where hard work is rewarded and the potential for growth is limitless. Established in 1997, Aston Carter is a leading staffing and consulting firm, providing high-caliber talent and premium services to more than 7,000 companies across North America. Spanning four continents and more than 200 offices, we extend our clients' capabilities by seeking solvers and delivering solutions to address today's workforce challenges. For organizations looking for innovative solutions shaped by critical-thinking professionals, visit AstonCarter.com. Aston Carter is a company within Allegis Group, a global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MA, US