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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Somerset, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Associate

Cranford, NJ

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Purchasing Associates supports the business through inventory planning, purchasing, and supplier coordination while delivering excellent internal and external customer service. This role ensures ...

Purchasing Associate

Cranford, NJ

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Responsibilities Purchasing Associates supports the business through inventory planning, purchasing, and supplier coordination while delivering excellent internal and external customer service. This ...

Purchasing Associate

Cranford, NJ · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Responsibilities Purchasing Associates supports the business through inventory planning, purchasing, and supplier coordination while delivering excellent internal and external customer service. This ...

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 ...

New

Purchasing Manager

Princeton, NJ · 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)

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Culinary Purchasing Manager to manage purchasing operations for ... Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent ...

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Culinary Purchasing Manager to manage purchasing operations for ... Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent ...

Culinary Purchasing Manager

Edison, NJ · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Culinary Purchasing Manager to manage purchasing operations for ... Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent ...

Supervisor

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Purchasing experience is highly preferred. * Education: An Associate's degree or higher is preferred. * Technical Skills: Proficiency in current pharmacy purchasing software, PeopleSoft, and Excel ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Somerset, NJ salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Somerset, NJ is $24.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $26.68 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Somerset, NJ? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Somerset, NJ are:
What cities near Somerset, NJ are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs? Cities near Somerset, NJ with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Somerset, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,173 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Johnstone Supply rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 106 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 404 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

Johnstone Supply, North America's leading wholesale distributor of HVACR equipment, parts, and supplies, has a great opportunity to join our team. Over the last seven decades, Johnstone has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry leader with over 470 distributor branches and 6 distribution centers throughout North America. We work with some of the largest companies in the world, including Daikin/Goodman, Bosch, Copeland, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, and Fujitsu, to provide contractors with world-class products, technical expertise, and quality service.

Now is the best time to join Johnstone Supply. Relationship-building is the key to our success, and it shows in everything we do. The Power of Johnstone is everyone who works with us. Our customers, our partners, and our people. Johnstone is growing, and so can you.


Purchasing Associates supports the business through inventory planning, purchasing, and supplier coordination while delivering excellent internal and external customer service. This role ensures inventory is optimized to meet service goals, improve turns, and reduce excess stock by leveraging data and supplier performance to issue timely purchase orders. The goal is to drive solutions and success that improve customer satisfaction, maximizes customer retention and increase profitability.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Forecast inventory needs and align purchasing to maximize service levels and inventory turns.
  • Manage material flow to ensure timely delivery and support capacity requirements, including purchases from suppliers and the Johnstone distribution centers.
  • Partner with Product Managers to build and maintain supplier relationships.
  • Resolve purchasing and inventory issues across departments, including branches and Accounts Payable.
  • Maintain ownership of assigned products and regions and build product knowledge.
  • Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction across the supply chain.
  • Collaborate within a team to achieve company and departmental goals.
  • Perform additional duties as needed to support overall business success.

Internal Relationships: Work closely with internal teams (purchasing, warehouse/branch management, sales, and marketing teams) to ensure appropriate support and increase customer satisfaction.

External Relationships: Customers and vendors

 

Final Decision Maker:  Works independently within internal process and seeks appropriate approval from Product Category Managers and/or Inventory Pricing Manager


Education, Work Experience & Specialized Skills or Knowledge:

  • Typically requires bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or Business-related field, or equivalent experience. 
  • Approximately two years of experience in purchasing, planning, or inventory management preferred.
  • This position requires a highly focused, detail-oriented, analytical results-driven individual that has the ability to work with a variety of analytics tools.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required, with aptitude to learn new computer applications.
  • Experience with Eclipse is a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and enjoys working in a team environment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee spends significant time sitting, or standing, walking the facility and is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell; and lift up to 50 pounds.


We’re also interested in hiring a great candidate that holds these values so we can further build a strong company culture:

  • Safety: Always prioritizes safety, both at work and at home, while ensuring those who work for you work safely.
  • Customer Focused: Take the perspective of those we serve, anticipate their needs, and responding quickly.
  • One Team: We win together by collaborating with each other, focusing on the common goal, and leveraging the strengths of the team.
  • Own It: Take the initiative, act with a sense of urgency and pride, do things right the first time, and always act with integrity.
  • Innovate: Embrace and create change that drives continuous improvement and customer-valued solutions.

At Johnstone Supply, we recognize that our employees’ growth, well-being, and success drives the company’s success. We offer a competitive wage, in addition to health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, and options for supplemental care. We provide the resources you need to take charge of your well-being, including:

  • Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Safe Harbor 401(k) – 100% employer match up to 5% of base pay and immediate vesting
  • Holiday pay – we recognize and pay our employees for 7.5 holidays per year
  • Paid Parental Bonding Time
  • Employer subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Employer paid life insurance and short-term disability
  • Voluntary long-term disability, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
  • 24/7 Access to virtual care/telehealth options
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution; Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  • Wellbeing program with opportunity to earn reduced medical costs
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you, and your family
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee referral bonus program
  • Employee service milestone recognition program

We understand that our employees are the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to continuous improvement & investment in our people is only matched by our commitment to superior customer experience.

EOE & E-Verify Participating Employer.


Pay range: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00/Yearly

Shift: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm


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