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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Inver Grove Heights, MN

Blu Dot

Purchasing Associate

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

Purchasing Associate REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Inventory & Purchasing JOB CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Non-Exempt LOCATION: Minneapolis Headquarters ABOUT US : Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning ...

Blu Dot

Purchasing Associate

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Purchasing Associate REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Inventory & Purchasing JOB CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Non-Exempt LOCATION: Minneapolis Headquarters ABOUT US : Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning ...

Blu Dot

Purchasing Associate

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Purchasing Associate REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Inventory & Purchasing JOB CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Non-Exempt LOCATION: Minneapolis Headquarters ABOUT US : Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning ...

APi Inc

Purchasing Coordinator

New Brighton, MN · On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

An associate's degree or equivalent work experience is required. Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to project sites or other API Inc. locations as needed. Physical Requirements: The physical ...

CSM

Purchasing Manager - Renovations

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Associates or Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Finance or related field (preferred). Experience/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: * 5+ years of experience in purchasing in ...

Polywater Corporation

Associate Buyer

Stillwater, MN

$22 - $25/hr

The Associate Buyer supports the Purchasing department by assisting with procurement activities of spot buy items and sustaining stock supplies as required. The Associate Buyer also performs Cycle ...

New

Lexus of Maplewood

Automotive Parts Associate

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Employee vehicle purchase plans * Discounts on products and services Job Responsibilities: * Greet ... Establish good communications between associates in parts and other departments * Report any issues ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Inver Grove Heights, MN salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Inver Grove Heights, MN is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $26.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Purchasing Associate do?

A Purchasing Associate is responsible for supporting an organization’s procurement process by sourcing suppliers, obtaining quotes, and placing orders for goods and services. They maintain records of purchases, track inventory levels, and ensure that materials are delivered on time. Purchasing Associates often communicate with vendors, negotiate prices, and help resolve any issues with orders to ensure smooth operations. Their role is essential in maintaining cost efficiency and timely supply within a company.

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.

Is procurement a high stress job?

Purchasing associates often work in fast-paced environments where meeting deadlines and managing supplier relationships can create stress. The level of stress varies depending on the industry, workload, and organizational structure, but strong organizational and communication skills help manage job pressures effectively.

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.

What is the work of purchasing associate?

A purchasing associate is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and purchasing goods and services needed by a company. They negotiate prices, manage supplier relationships, and ensure timely delivery to support operational needs. Proficiency in procurement software and strong negotiation skills are often required.

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.

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.

Is a purchasing agent an entry-level job?

A purchasing agent is not always an entry-level position; it often requires some experience in procurement, supply chain, or related fields. Entry-level roles in purchasing may be titled purchasing assistant or coordinator, with more advanced roles requiring skills in negotiation, vendor management, and familiarity with procurement software. Certifications like CPSM or C.P.M. can also enhance qualifications for higher-level purchasing roles.

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.
More about Purchasing Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Inver Grove Heights, MN? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Inver Grove Heights, MN are:
What cities near Inver Grove Heights, MN are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs? Cities near Inver Grove Heights, MN with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:
Purchasing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Inver Grove Heights, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,579 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Purchasing Associate

Purchasing Associate

Blu Dot

Minneapolis, MN • Hybrid

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Purchasing Associate

REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Inventory & Purchasing

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Minneapolis Headquarters

ABOUT US: Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning designer and maker of modern home furnishings, is currently searching for a Purchasing Associate to join our dynamic and values-driven company.

Company Purpose

Inspire a more creative way of living through good design that's good to everyone.

Core Values

- Good design is good. Good design should be reflected in everything we do.

- Keep it simple. Strive for economy in all that you do.

- Everyone is invited to our party. Treat every individual with respect & dignity.

- Our glass is half full. Focus on the positive.

- Be humble. We take nothing for granted.

- Turn it up to 11. Determine what is expected and do a little more.

- Stay curious. Try, learn, improve, repeat.

ABOUT THE ROLE: In this role, you will focus heavily on the procurement process, coordinating purchases with vendor partners worldwide to ensure accurate and timely deliveries of goods and services. As part of a dynamic team, you will play a key role in monitoring item data integrity, including the setup and maintenance of items. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing inventory flow, tracking specific purchases, and reporting updates to internal teams. Your contributions will be crucial in enhancing the overall efficiency and success of our procurement operations.

WHO YOU ARE:

  • You excel at managing multiple priorities, ensuring excellent customer service for both internal and external partners.
  • You possess an entrepreneurial mindset, understanding the broader impact of your actions on the business.
  • You thrive in dynamic environments, are nimble and flexible, able to wear multiple hats and adapt quickly to changing circumstances without needing detailed instructions.
  • You enjoy solving complex problems, demonstrating creativity and persistence in achieving solutions.
  • You take initiative and ownership, showing responsibility and accountability in your role.
  • You are a collaborative team player, fostering positive relationships and effective teamwork.
  • You are highly organized, maintaining meticulous attention to detail in your work.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

  • You will create, manage, and maintain item information systematically, ensuring accurate and current product details.
  • You will coordinate and align with the Product Development team to promptly order relevant samples, ensuring product accuracy and adherence to Blu Dot standards.
  • You will oversee the lifecycle of fabric swatches, from setup to stock maintenance, ensuring timely availability for stores and customers.
  • You will work with demand planning to communicate forecasts to our factory suppliers and create orders as an output of the demand planning process.
  • You will diligently track every order from inception to delivery, ensuring timely product availability.
  • You will collaborate with factories to support production capacity discussions, ensuring smooth fulfillment and adherence to lead times. You will manage purchase order acknowledgments and confirmations with factory partners, ensuring quantities, costs, and ship dates align with the order plan.
  • You will maintain ongoing master data hygiene across the item portfolio, including attributes, inventory inputs (on-hand, on-order, lead time, MOQ), and other reference data that feed planning and reporting.
  • You will manage service parts orders with your factory partners, ensuring availability for the warehouse and customer experience teams.
  • You will support sales teams with special orders, sample requests, and order-related escalations, serving as the procurement point of contact.
  • You will be measured on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as in-stock rates, vendor performance, lead times, on-time ship rates, and other critical metrics that contribute to the success of our procurement operations.
  • You will complete other tasks as assigned.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE + QUALIFICATIONS*:

  • 1-3 years in purchasing or inventory management role.
  • Proven ability to effectively collaborate with multiple internal and external business partners.
  • High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Excellent communication, organizational and project management skills
  • Position is based out of Minneapolis, MN headquarters with a flexible working environment/schedule (no full-time remote work available)

*These are 'nice to have' credentials, but we always welcome candidates with unique and diverse backgrounds. We see the value in a wide range of experiences and always love connecting with people excited about opportunities to join Blu Dot.

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