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Purchasing Associate Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Comrise

Purchasing Operator

Newton, MA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree preferred. * Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Experience * 2-4 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply ...

Lowe's

Warehouse Associate II

Northborough, MA

$19.90 - $24.30/hr

Packs and stages completed purchase orders for delivery * Verifies accuracy of items picked from warehouse shelves and staged for delivery by other warehouse associates * Achieves or exceeds ...

Prince Industries LLC

Buyer/OSP Coordinator

Pepperell, MA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred. * 2-3 years of purchasing, buying, or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.

New

Homans Associates

Counter Sales Associate

Auburn, MA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We are seeking a Counter Sales Associate for our Auburn, MA facility to join our team. This ... Work with clerical staff to check and maintain open orders, purchase orders, return merchandise ...

Tailored Brands

Retail Sales Associate

Auburn, MA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

... purchase • Ongoing discounts on purchase made at any Tailored Brands store. What You Bring: • ... sales associates at all levels and contribute to a positive work environment Our Retail Sales ...

Savers/Value Village

Associate Manager

Worcester, MA · On-site

$17.10 - $28.04/hr

Associate Manager Pay Rate: $17.10 to $28.04 Who we are: As one of the largest for-profit thrift ... We purchase these items directly from our nonprofit partners, redirecting billions of pounds of ...

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Purchasing Associate information

See Worcester, MA salary details

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How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in Worcester, MA is $22.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $25.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 Worcester, MA? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs? Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:
Purchasing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in Worcester, MA 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 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,384 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Purchasing Specialist

Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG

Auburn, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About KARL STORZ

From the operating room to surgery centers-and everywhere in between-KARL STORZ North America is a global leader in medical technology and advanced visualization solutions. We design specialty innovations, smart instruments and devices, integrated ecosystems, and intelligent imaging-to build a more connected, software-enabled operating room.

As an independent, family-owned MedTech company, we ambitiously think in generations instead of quarters to improve patients' lives around the world.

About the Role

We are seeking a Purchasing Specialist to deliver procurement services across multiple KARL STORZ locations. In this role, you will support colleagues throughout the purchasing lifecycle - from requisition to payment - while managing supplier relationships, vendor master data, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive year-over-year savings and ensure continuity of supply.

What You'll Do

  • Process purchase requisitions from across the organization, converting them to purchase orders and communicating with suppliers and stakeholders.
  • Track vendor acknowledgements and maintain up-to-date purchase order information including pricing and delivery.
  • Monitor inventory levels and initiate replenishment orders for assigned products and material groups.
  • Follow up with suppliers to ensure service levels are met; collaborate with Accounts Payable, Receiving, and suppliers to resolve invoice discrepancies.
  • Support sourcing initiatives for new suppliers, products, and services; partner with internal business users to establish specifications and identify best-value suppliers.
  • Contribute to cost-saving projects through analysis of product specifications, volume activity, service requirements, delivery, and payment terms.
  • Manage vendor master data in SAP, including enrolling new suppliers into the Approved Supplier List (ASL) via DocuSign and performing periodic reviews of inactive vendors.
  • Maintain supplier certificates and surveys, ensuring all required documentation and agreements are current.
  • Train business users on procurement processes including requisition creation, new product development, and supplier enrollment.
  • Write and update procedures, work instructions, and work aids as requirements evolve.
  • Support compliance with the KARL STORZ Quality Program, CFR 820.50, and ISO 13485 standards.
  • Provide coverage for Buyer Planner during extended absences; travel to KARL STORZ and vendor sites as needed.

What You Bring

  • 3-5 years of experience in purchasing or a related role involving indirect or direct materials/services.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established timeframes.
  • Working knowledge of SAP preferred.

What Will Make You Successful

  • 5-10 years of relevant purchasing or supply chain experience.
  • College degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Experience with Tableau or other supply chain/analytics platforms.
  • Familiarity with ISO 13485 standards and the medical device industry.
  • Collaborative, solution-oriented mindset with a helpful and instructive approach to working with others.

Why KARL STORZ?

Play a key role in maintaining supply continuity and driving procurement efficiency across a global MedTech organization. Collaborate with diverse teams spanning Quality, Operations, Legal, Regulatory, and beyond, and build deep expertise in purchasing systems and compliance within a highly regulated, mission-driven industry.

For 80 years, KARL STORZ has pioneered the most groundbreaking innovations in endoscopic surgery, video imaging, and operating room integration. With more than 9,000 associates worldwide and 2,600 in the US, we pride ourselves on harnessing cutting-edge technology, precise workmanship, and unrivaled customer support to help healthcare facilities succeed. It's not just about the tools we create - it's about the lives we change, together.

Ready to make an impact? Apply to be our next Purchasing Specialist and help us build the future of MedTech together.

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