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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Princeton, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Agent

Basking Ridge, NJ ยท On-site

$67K/yr

Fedway Associates is seeking Purchasing Agent to join our team. The Purchasing Agent uses a sales forecasting system to plan and execute purchase orders while maintaining optimal inventory levels to ...

Purchasing Agent

Basking Ridge, NJ ยท On-site

$67K/yr

Fedway Associates is seeking Purchasing Agent to join our team. The Purchasing Agent uses a sales forecasting system to plan and execute purchase orders while maintaining optimal inventory levels to ...

Purchasing Specialist

New York, NY ยท On-site

$65K/yr

Purchasing Specialist Smith is looking for a Purchasing Specialist to join our SMITH team. With a reputation of more than 40 years of excellence, Smith is leading the way in electronic component ...

Purchasing Specialist

New York, NY ยท On-site

$65K/yr

Purchasing Specialist Smith is looking for a Purchasing Specialist to join our SMITH team. With a reputation of more than 40 years of excellence, Smith is leading the way in electronic component ...

Purchasing Manager

Princeton, NJ ยท On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

Lead, develop, and manage Associate Managers, Senior Specialists, and Specialists; provide clear ... Own purchasing dashboards and KPIs (cycle time, accuracy, backlog, exception rates, compliance)

Lead, develop, and manage Associate Managers, Senior Specialists, and Specialists; provide clear ... Own purchasing dashboards and KPIs (cycle time, accuracy, backlog, exception rates, compliance)

Purchasing and Production Manager

Edison, NJ ยท On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Culinary Purchasing Manager to manage purchasing operations for ... Associate's degree or equivalent experience * Management Experience: 2 years * Related Experience ...

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Culinary Purchasing Manager to manage purchasing operations for ... Associate's degree or equivalent experience * Management Experience: 2 years * Related Experience ...

Purchasing and Production Manager

Edison, NJ ยท On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Culinary Purchasing Manager to manage purchasing operations for ... Associate's degree or equivalent experience * Management Experience: 2 years * Related Experience ...

Purchasing and Production Manager

Edison, NJ ยท On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Culinary Purchasing Manager to manage purchasing operations for ... Associate's degree or equivalent experience * Management Experience: 2 years * Related Experience ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Princeton, NJ salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Princeton, NJ is $23.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.44 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 Princeton, NJ?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Princeton, NJ are:

What cities near Princeton, NJ are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs?

Cities near Princeton, NJ with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Princeton, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,780 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Associate, Purchasing

USPL NUTRITIONALS LLC

North Brunswick, NJ โ€ข On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Date

2025

Location

1300 Airport Road, New Brunswick New Jersey

Title

Associate, Purchasing

Department

Operation (Purchasing)

Reports to

Senior Manager, Purchasing & Sourcing

FLSA (Exempt or Non-Exempt

Exempt

Role Overview

The Purchasing Associate ensures the timely procurement of materials and components, manufacturing equipment, lab supplies, warehouse, and office supplies across all facilities.

Areas of Responsibility

  • Issue Purchase orders in the ERP system for Raw Materials and/or packaging materials and sending them out to respective vendors.
  • Issue Purchase orders in the ERP system for consumable goods to support manufacturing, engineering, Lab, and Warehouse across all facilities and sending them out to respective vendors.
  • Ensure full compliance with Company policies, procedures, GMP’s, Ethical Business Practice, and SOPs at all times.
  • Work closely with the planning team and Purchasing manager to ensure the accuracy of Purchase orders issued in the ERP system.
  • Work in a safe and responsible manner in order to create an injury-free and incident-free workplace.
  • Comply with all job-related safety and other training requirements.
  • Keep management informed of area activities and of any significant problems.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Qualification:

  • Relevant supply chain or purchasing experience (preferably in a similar industry such as Pharmaceutical or Nutraceutical).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Able to read, write and speak English sufficiently.
  • Strong project management and leadership skills.
  • Comfortable with figures and in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
  • Solid judgment with ability to make good decisions.
  • Ability to interact effectively with different departments and with all levels of management.
  • Must know MS Office, particularly Excel.
  • Knowledge of ERP systems (Syspro, SAP) preferred.
  • Bi-Lingual in either Chinese or Hindi is a plus.

Physical Requirements (lifting, etc.):

  • Ability to navigate office, lab, and/or plant floor working environments.
  • Standard office environment without unpleasant or hazardous conditions. Physical demands involved in office work such as the ability to talk, hear, use hands to hold and feel; work on a computer up to 7-8 hours a day; close vision required for computer usage.
  • Must have the ability to wear applicable personal protective equipment utilized at this site, including safety glasses/goggles, hair nets, lab coats, and safety shoes.

Work Environment (Office, Warehouse, temperature extremes, etc.):

• Exposed to lab and/or plant floor working environments.

• Standard office environment without unpleasant or hazardous conditions.

• Temperature controlled for heat and air conditioning.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the job responsibilities, duties, skill, or working conditions. In addition, this document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

USPL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Benefits And Compensation: Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of USPL. From health and wellness benefit options including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan. Employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, sick time, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 10 days of vacation in the first year, which grows to 12 days starting the second year of employment.

Job Description Acknowledgement

I have read and understand the job requirements, responsibilities, and expectations set forth in the job description provided for my position. I attest that I can perform the essential job functions as outlined with or without any reasonable accommodation.





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