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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Huntsville, AL (NOW HIRING)

Snap-on Inc

Materials & Purchasing Manager

Elkmont, AL · On-site

Plus all of our associates are paid WEEKLY. We presently have a full-time position at our Elkmont, Alabama manufacturing plant for a Materials and Purchasing Manager. This position reports directly ...

Snap-On Tools

Materials & Purchasing Manager

Elkmont, AL · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Plus all of our associates are paid WEEKLY. We presently have a full-time position at our Elkmont, Alabama manufacturing plant for a Materials and Purchasing Manager. This position reports directly ...

Relogic Research

Operations Associate

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... Associate who wants to build a career in defense business operations from the ground up. As an ... Support the purchasing function by assisting with purchase order processing, supplier ...

Relogic Research

Operations Associate

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... Associate who wants to build a career in defense business operations from the ground up. As an ... Support the purchasing function by assisting with purchase order processing, supplier ...

ReLogic Research

Operations Associate

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... Associate who wants to build a career in defense business operations from the ground up. As an ... Support the purchasing function by assisting with purchase order processing, supplier ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Huntsville, AL salary details

$13

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How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Huntsville, AL is $21.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 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.
More about Purchasing Associate jobs

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Purchasing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Huntsville, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,083 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Associate Purchasing Manager

L3HHCM20

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Associate Manager, Subcontracts (Purchasing)

Job Code: 42272

Job Location: Huntsville, AL 

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off 

Job Description:

As an Assistant Purchasing Manager, you will play an important role in supporting the procurement of materials, equipment, and services for exciting defense and aerospace programs. This is a great opportunity to be part of a collaborative team that helps deliver solutions for U.S. Government, DoD, and commercial customers.In this role, you will assist with a variety of purchasing activities, including supplier selection, purchase order and subcontract administration, cost and price analysis, compliance oversight, and supplier performance management. You will also use your knowledge of defense procurement practices, including FAR, DFARS, customer flow-down requirements, and internal purchasing policies, to help ensure work is completed accurately and in compliance with requirements.You will work closely with teams across Program Management, Contracts, Subcontracts, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Finance, and Legal, giving you the opportunity to build strong partnerships and contribute to important business and program goals. Your work will help ensure procurement activities support quality expectations, cost objectives, and delivery schedules.This role is a strong fit for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and contributing to meaningful, mission-driven programs. The position requires up to 20% travel.

Essential Functions:

  • Requires up to 20% travel.
  • Supports procurement operations for defense and aerospace programs.
  • Assists with the procurement of materials, services, equipment, and subcontracted work for commercial and U.S. Government-funded programs.
  • Prepares, issues, evaluates, and administers purchase orders and subcontracts in compliance with company procedures and FAR/DFARS requirements.
  • Reviews purchase requisitions and statements of work to ensure clear requirements, proper documentation, and appropriate sourcing methods.
  • Solicits supplier quotes and proposals, supports source selection, and performs price and cost analysis to ensure fair and reasonable pricing.
  • Monitors supplier performance and helps resolve quality, delivery, compliance, and other supply chain issues impacting program execution.
  • Maintains procurement documentation, tracks key metrics, supports audits and CPSR readiness, and provides guidance on compliance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 6 years prior relevant purchasing experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related purchasing experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related purchasing experience.
  • 4 years of purchasing, subcontracting, procurement, or supply chain experience in a defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated environment.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience supporting DoD, prime contractor, or major aerospace program procurement activities.
  • Familiarity with CPSR requirements and purchasing system compliance expectations.
  • Knowledge of FAR Part 15, FAR Part 44, and relevant DFARS clauses related to subcontracting and supplier management.
  • Experience with cost-reimbursable, fixed-price, and time-and-material procurement environments.
  • Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, counterfeit parts prevention requirements, and cybersecurity flow-downs such as DFARS 252.204-7012 or related clauses, as applicable.
  • Knowledge of AS9100, DCMA, DCAA, and defense quality/compliance expectations.
  • Prior team lead, supervisory, or formal/informal leadership experience.
  • Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM, CPCM, or related certification preferred.
  • Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and U.S. Government contracting requirements applicable to purchasing and subcontracting activities.
  • Experience with purchase order and subcontract administration, supplier negotiations, and procurement file documentation.
  • Experience performing price analysis and understanding basic cost analysis principles.
  • Familiarity with customer flow-down requirements and procurement compliance expectations for defense contracts.
  • Strong understanding of supplier management, delivery assurance, and quality coordination in a regulated manufacturing or program environment.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement reporting tools.

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