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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Olympia, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Product Purchaser

Shelton, WA · On-site

$22.85 - $29.71/hr

Responsible for accurately reconciling cash balances before and after scheduled purchasing ... OR · Associate of Arts Degree in a related field and 2 years relevant experience. OR · Bachelor ...

Tailored Brands

Seasonal Sales Associate

Olympia, WA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Seasonal Sales Associate We invest in our people and continuously work towards fostering an ... purchase • Ongoing discounts on purchase made at any Tailored Brands store. What You Bring: • ...

Tailored Brands

Seasonal Sales Associate

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Seasonal Sales Associate We invest in our people and continuously work towards fostering an ... purchase • Ongoing discounts on purchase made at any Tailored Brands store. What You Bring: • ...

Victoria's Secret

Selling Associate-Tacoma

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Reinforces customer buying decisions at checkout and encourages purchase of additional items ... All associate roles at Victoria's Secret are responsible for: * Driving top line store sales ...

Savers/Value Village

Associate Manager

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$19.04 - $31.22/hr

We purchase these items directly from our nonprofit partners, redirecting billions of pounds of used items away from landfills and on to our store racks and shelves for reuse, and providing our ...

Savers - US

Associate Manager

Lacey, WA · On-site

We purchase these items directly from our nonprofit partners, redirecting billions of pounds of used items away from landfills and on to our store racks and shelves for reuse, and providing our ...

Savers Value Village

Associate Manager

Lacey, WA · On-site

$19.04 - $31.22/hr

We purchase these items directly from our nonprofit partners, redirecting billions of pounds of used items away from landfills and on to our store racks and shelves for reuse, and providing our ...

Savers/Value Village

Associate Manager

Lacey, WA

We purchase these items directly from our nonprofit partners, redirecting billions of pounds of used items away from landfills and on to our store racks and shelves for reuse, and providing our ...

Floor & Décor

Receiving Associate

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$17.23 - $21.05/hr

... Purchase Plan, and Referral Bonus Program Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other Insurance Plans ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.

Receiving Associate

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$17.23 - $21.05/hr

... Purchase Plan, and Referral Bonus Program Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other Insurance Plans ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Savers/Value Village

Sales Floor Associate

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$17.15 - $22.60/hr

We purchase these items directly from our nonprofit partners, redirecting billions of pounds of used items away from landfills and on to our store racks and shelves for reuse, and providing our ...

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All JobsPurchasing Associate JobsPurchasing Associate Jobs in Olympia, WA

Purchasing Associate information

See Olympia, WA salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Olympia, WA is $24.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $27.07 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 Olympia, WA?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Olympia, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Purchasing Associate jobs in Olympia, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing Associate jobs in Olympia, WA are:

What cities near Olympia, WA are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs?

Cities near Olympia, WA with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:

Purchasing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Olympia, WA 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 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,921 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Purchasing and Inventory Planner

Rite in the Rain

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

As a “caretaker” of our brand’s legacy, the Purchasing and Inventory Planner works closely with the Operations and Supply Chain Management teams to ensure that inventory levels are aligned with demand forecasts, and that raw materials are available when needed for production. In collaboration with internal management, they will administer the vendor selection and the purchasing of goods and services that are critical for production and distribution of the company’s product.  
 
WORK ACTIVITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:                        
  • Purchasing and Procurement 
    • Act as point person for interfacing with key suppliers and outsource vendors by responding to inquiries about order status, changes, and cancellations
    • Create, monitor, and manage purchase orders ensuring pricing, delivery dates, and final delivered quantities are updated and correct throughout the purchase order life cycle
    • Collaborate with the Director of Operations and Supplier Quality Engineer to track and monitor supplier performance, quote packages for key materials, and manage outside processing services
    • Contact suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries, resolve shortages, and reconcile missed or late deliveries
  • Production and Inventory Planning
    • Release and monitor shop orders for applicable manufactured items for assigned product families based on production plans provided by internal management
    • Work closely with internal management to ensure demand forecasts align with supply plans, making adjustments for fluctuations in demand and optimizing inventory levels
    • Provide internal teams with regular updates on inventory status, including potential shortages and inventory availability based on forecasted demand
    • Monitor inventory levels and back order dates to ensure stock is available at the chosen quantity and desired time  
    • Participate in phase-gate process with New Product Development for new product launches and product phase-outs
  • Supplier Coordination and Operations Support
    • Generate and present reports on inventory turnover, spend, and procurement status to internal management 
    • Ensure data accuracy within internal systems by updating purchase orders, shop orders, and associated tracking reports from order through delivery
    • Monitor and report on inventory levels, including slow-moving, and excess inventory to the internal management
    • Serve as backup for certain critical functions such as inventory movement/transfers, physical inventory counts, and order creation for materials outside of normal scope of management.
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Basic Qualifications                                                    
  • A two-year college or technical degree (e.g., Associate’s degree) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 5+ related experience in materials planning and purchasing for manufacturing – with a preference for printing
  • Proven ability in managing projects and negotiating best prices for a complex network of suppliers and outsource vendors 
  • Demonstrated expertise in MS Office Excel and Word, Crystal Reports, and database mining and manipulation (e.g., Order Management System (OMS), inventory databases, or purchasing software)
  • A current driver’s license, reliable transportation and the ability to travel 10% of the time. 
Preferred Qualifications                                                
  • Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as purchase orders, inventory records, and software technical help guides.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems, dealing with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  This position has an estimated annual salary of $65,000 - $80,000, dependent on experience. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

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