ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Purchasing Associate Jobs in Providence, RI (NOW HIRING)

Amgen, Inc.

Sr. Associate Procurement

West Greenwich, RI · On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

Maintain supply chain system (SAP, Rapid Response, MyBuy, etc) virtue and maintain purchasing ... Associate degree and 6 years of experience directly related to the job OR * High school diploma ...

JSI Cabinetry

Purchasing Assistant

Fall River, MA · On-site

$50K - $58K/yr

Associate degree or higher. * Prior purchasing or supply chain experience a plus. * Proficiency in Microsoft Excel * Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. * Strong written and verbal ...

Marriott

Purchasing Manager

Newport, RI · On-site

Assists Executive Chef in all aspects of purchasing (e.g., Food, Beverage and Controllable) to ... We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and ...

Premier Fence LLC

Purchasing Coordinator

Middleborough, MA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Associate's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Accounting, Operations, or related field preferred. * 2+ years of purchasing, procurement, inventory, manufacturing, construction, or supply chain ...

Marriott International

Purchasing Manager

Newport, RI · On-site

$29.53 - $42.79/hr

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES Hands on, Managing Work, Projects, Policies, and Standards for Purchasing ... We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and ...

SEACORP

Purchasing Agent

Middletown, RI · On-site

Associates level degree in a business discipline preferred Experience: 3 years of purchasing experience required; experience with vendor negotiation in a defense contracting organization strongly ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPurchasing Associate JobsPurchasing Associate Jobs in Providence, RI

Purchasing Associate information

See Providence, RI salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Providence, RI is $23.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $25.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a purchasing associate do?

A purchasing associate is responsible for sourcing and buying goods and services needed by a company. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate prices, and ensure timely delivery while maintaining accurate records using procurement software. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for this role.

What are the 4 types of purchasing?

In purchasing, the four main types are direct purchasing, which involves acquiring raw materials for production; indirect purchasing, for goods and services supporting operations; strategic purchasing, focusing on long-term supplier relationships; and transactional purchasing, handling routine, one-time purchases. A Purchasing Associate often handles various types depending on company needs and procurement strategies.

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 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 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 typically provides stable employment with competitive salaries.

Is a purchasing agent an entry level job?

A purchasing agent is typically an entry-level to mid-level position that involves negotiating with suppliers, managing purchase orders, and maintaining inventory. Entry-level roles often require some experience or training in procurement, supply chain, or related fields, and may involve learning industry-specific software tools. Advancement usually depends on experience, skills, and performance.

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 Providence, RI? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Providence, RI are:
What cities near Providence, RI are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs? Cities near Providence, RI with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:
Purchasing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Providence, RI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,852 per year, or $23 per hour.
Sr. Associate Procurement

Sr. Associate Procurement

Amgen, Inc.

West Greenwich, RI • On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Job Description
HOW MIGHT YOU DEFY IMAGINATION?
You've earned your degree. How will you use that achievement to reach your goals? Do more with the knowledge you've worked hard to acquire and the passion you already have. At Amgen, our shared mission-to serve patients-drives all that we do. It is key to our becoming one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, reaching over 10 million patients worldwide. Become the professional you are meant to be in this meaningful role.
Sr. Associate Procurement
Live
What you will do
Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role, you the Procurement Sr. Associate will join the Supply Chain Production Planning Team, which stands responsible for setting the pace of production in our Amgen biologic drug substance plant as well as handling raw material inventories to ensure supply. The Amgen Rhode Island location consists of a grown, large-scale production plant that produces 10 different biologic products and a 'Manufacturing of the Future (MoF)' single-use technology plant that was recently approved for commercial manufacturing. The primary responsibility of this role will be supply planning, procurement, and management of raw materials, and management of supplier and customer relationships.
The expectations of this position include:
Knowledge & Technical Expertise
  • Well-versed in supply chain concepts and inventory management theory.
  • Procure materials using required systems and handle and optimize inventory levels, lead times, and safety products to ensure no stockouts
  • Develop raw material inventory plans, including handling material transition analysis and performance.
  • Maintain supply chain system (SAP, Rapid Response, MyBuy, etc) virtue and maintain purchasing documentation to cGMP standards.
  • Monitor, assess, and revise targeted inventory levels in conjunction with changes in demand/supply variability.
  • Release forecasts and orders to suppliers, analyze, consolidate, and report supply and demand to the various stakeholders in the company.
  • Definition, creation, and ownership of business processes for handling inventory (e.g., Kanban processes and analysis of min/max)
  • Ability to perform analysis and create processes and tools needed to handle material inventory and be able to assess the impact and adjust processes when the business environment changes.

Accountability & Responsibility
  • Lead small team project and contributes to large cross-function project teams. Including build, analyzing, and managing data and reports to identify issues and opportunities for enhancing business performance.
  • Track and analyze monthly performance metrics for adherence, accuracy, cycle times, and inventory investment. This includes understanding and contributing to the team's performance board and communicating the board to management.
  • Supports resolution of challenging issues and facilitates stakeholder inputs and outputs.
  • Interact with Manufacturing, Process Development, and Engineering to develop specifications for new features and materials.
  • Expanded ownership of GMP materials, systems, processes, and suppliers.
  • Handles the receipt scheduling and testing of materials to implement labor and demand constraints.

Communication:
  • Coordinates and facilitate cross-functional efforts to handle inventory (e.g., an expedition of material release to prevent/alleviate inventory shortages.)
  • Presents status updates effectively and concisely in a group setting
  • Clearly articulates goals and assesses improvement toward goal achievement
  • Seeks feedback from customers analyzes results, and makes vital improvements
  • Strong social skills and strength in communication and issue resolution with customers and suppliers and multiple levels in the organizations and aligned with Amgen values.
  • Resolves minor conflicting priorities among partners when facilitating issue resolution.

Problem Solving & Decision Making:
  • Develops solutions to problems of moderate scope and complexity to appropriately handle material inventory risk and ensure material supply.
  • Leads teams to resolve issues and/or improve business processes.
  • Demonstrates OE (Operation Excellence) methodologies to improve processes and decision making
  • Reconciles conflicting and/or incomplete information to solve problems.
  • Seeks out standard processes to implement within its own sphere of influence

Teamwork & Leadership:
  • Works under general direction and can interpret generally defined practices and methods.
  • Partners with Amgen's Supplier Relationship Excellence team to supervise and enhance performance and quality from the supplier base.
  • Facilitates team meetings to develop solutions.
  • Encourages diversity and inclusion in teams.
  • Develops and handles strong supplier and customer relationships establish performance metrics and holds suppliers accountable for performance and improvement objectives.
  • Collaborates and establishes relationships across department and project teams.
  • Ability to coordinate cross-site and cross-functional efforts in response to issues and opportunities.

Ability and interest to learn and support other areas of ARI Supply Chain depending on business need.
Qualifications
Win
What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our outstanding contributions to serve patients. The dedicated professional we seek is a collaborative with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Master's degree OR
  • Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience directly related to the job OR
  • Associate degree and 6 years of experience directly related to the job OR
  • High school diploma / GED and 8 years of experience directly related to the job

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in math, science (including data science), or engineering
  • Experience in the supply chain, engineering, manufacturing, or quality
  • Experience with handling inventories of single-use production parts in the biotech or healthcare industry.
  • High proficiency with computer systems (SAP, Rapid Response, Excel, or comparable)
  • Strong social skills and strength in communication and issue resolution with customers and suppliers and multiple levels in the organization.
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking, data science, and optimization skills
  • Leadership skills - ability to coordinate cross-site and cross-functional efforts in response to issues and opportunities.
  • Ability to influence and negotiate to resolve issues, gain consensus, and develop relationships tactfully and optimally
  • Ability to learn new insights
  • A self-motivated standout colleague who is capable of growth and increased responsibility.
  • Project management skills
  • Solid understanding of cGMP guidelines.
  • Knowledge of raw material qualifications for the pharmaceutical industry

Thrive
Some of the vast rewards of working here
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for our teammates' professional and personal growth and well-being.
  • Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and improve your potential along your career journey
  • A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table and act
  • Generous Total Rewards Plan-comprising health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits-with compensation and benefits rated above 4 stars (out of 5) on Glassdoor

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply