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Purchasing Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Associate

Charleston, SC

$19.25 - $25/hr

Purchasing Associate Charleston, SC 29492 $60K--$65K +benefits Direct Hire , Full-time role Duties · Process orders and coordinate shipments from external warehouses. · Communicate lead times ...

Purchasing Associate

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

Purchasing Associate REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Inventory & Purchasing JOB CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Non-Exempt LOCATION: Minneapolis Headquarters ABOUT US : Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning ...

Medical Facilities of America, a regional leader in healthcare and skilled nursing services, is seeking a qualified individual to join our growing team as a Purchasing Associate in our Lakewood, NJ ...

Purchasing Associate

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Purchasing Associate REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Inventory & Purchasing JOB CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Non-Exempt LOCATION: Minneapolis Headquarters ABOUT US : Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning ...

Purchasing Associate

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

We're looking for a dependable, detail-oriented person to join our team as a Purchasing Associate! If you enjoy staying organized, working with data, and keeping things running smoothly, this could ...

Purchasing Associate

Houston, TX · On-site

$19.25 - $25/hr

VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY Lonestar Equipment Solutions is seeking a Purchasing Associate to support the procurement and inventory management functions of our growing Tool & Equipment division.

Purchasing Associate

Saint Albans, VT · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Visit our Website: instrumart.com The Purchasing Associate is a member of the Purchasing Team. This position's primary duties include entering and tracking the status of Purchase Orders (POs) placed ...

The Purchasing Associate is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day order process for equipment, supplies and services. Ensures the needs of the facility are purchased so that business can run ...

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

Niles, IL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

SCM/Purchasing experience preferred but not required * Bilingual in Korean and English * Maintain strong working relationship with vendors * Coordinate the purchase orders for account/category ...

Purchasing Associate

Charleston, SC · On-site

$19.25 - $25/hr

Mankiewicz Coatings LLC is growing, and we are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, and reliable Purchasing Associate to join our team. This full-time, onsite position in Charleston, SC. Tasks ...

Purchasing Associate

Houston, TX · On-site

$19.25 - $25/hr

Description VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY Lonestar Equipment Solutions is seeking a Purchasing Associate to support the procurement and inventory management functions of our growing Tool ...

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Purchasing Associate information

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How much do purchasing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing associate in the United States is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $25.24 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 cities are hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs? Cities with the most Purchasing Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Purchasing Associate jobs? The top employers for Purchasing Associate jobs are:
What states have the most Purchasing Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Purchasing Associate jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Associate jobs? For Purchasing Associate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Purchasing Associate job openings in the United States 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 $47,487 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Purchasing Associate

Abacus Solution Group

Charleston, SC

$19.25 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Purchasing Associate
Charleston, SC 29492
$60K--$65K +benefits
Direct Hire , Full-time role

Duties


· Process orders and coordinate shipments from external warehouses.
· Communicate lead times, delivery schedules, and shipping requirements with vendors to ensure timely delivery.
· Develop and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers and internal departments.
· Negotiate pricing and purchasing terms when appropriate.
· Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions to improve on-time delivery.
· Maintain appropriate minimum and maximum inventory levels for consumable supplies.
· Process vendor invoices and resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, receipts, and invoices.
· Maintain accurate purchasing master data in SAP, including vendor information, pricing, and purchasing records.
· Process Material Requirements Planning (MRP) activities within SAP for raw materials, intermediates, finished goods, recertification, and batch traceability.
· Prepare KPI reports, identify daily performance deviations, determine root causes, and communicate findings to the Supply Chain Manager.
· Assist with inventory optimization by reducing inventory days on hand, minimizing expired materials, improving on-time delivery performance, and supporting daily material requirements.
· Utilize SAP and other company systems to support purchasing activities.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of purchasing or procurement experience required; manufacturing environment preferred.
  • Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management, inventory control, and procurement best practices.
  • Ability to negotiate pricing, evaluate suppliers, and manage purchase orders effectively.
  • Experience using SAP ERP software preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word