1

Purchasing Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Coordinator - Ames, IA

Ames, IA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

YOUR OPPORTUNITY We currently have an exciting Purchasing Coordinator opportunity in our Ames, IA office. In this highly impactful role, you will convert customer requisitions of medications and ...

Senior Buyer

Huxley, IA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

This role partners closely with the Customer Success team to ensure purchasing decisions align with order timelines, service commitments, and cost objectives, while leading buying strategy, supplier ...

Senior Buyer

Huxley, IA · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

This role partners closely with the Customer Success team to ensure purchasing decisions align with order timelines, service commitments, and cost objectives, while leading buying strategy, supplier ...

Be Seen First

The ideal candidate will excel in customer communication, order management, purchasing, and coordination with manufacturing teams. This individual will help ensure excellent customer service while ...

Buyer - Supply Chain

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$57K - $72K/yr

Description The Supply Chain Buyer will be responsible for coordinating purchasing activities for the company demonstrating efforts to sustain and enhance Mrs. Clark's Foods' position as a supplier ...

Buyer - Supply Chain

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$57K - $72K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The Supply Chain Buyer will be responsible for coordinating purchasing activities for the company demonstrating efforts to sustain and enhance Mrs. Clark's Foods ...

Buyer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Create, review, and issue Purchase Orders (POs) in the ERP system, ensuring accuracy of pricing, terms, delivery dates, and financial coding. * Track open purchase orders, expedite urgent ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Purchasing information

See Ames, IA salary details

$29.8K

$52.9K

$81.7K

How much do purchasing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing in Ames, IA is $52,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $58,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a purchasing?

A Purchasing job involves the process of acquiring goods and services for a company or organization. Professionals in purchasing are responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, evaluating quality, and ensuring that needed materials are delivered on time and within budget. Their work is essential for maintaining smooth operations and helping organizations control costs. Purchasing roles can exist in many industries, ranging from manufacturing to retail and government. These jobs often require strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

What are some common challenges faced by purchasing professionals and how can they be addressed?

Purchasing professionals often encounter challenges such as supply chain disruptions, fluctuating prices, and managing relationships with multiple vendors. Staying proactive by building strong supplier partnerships, maintaining clear communication, and using data-driven decision-making tools can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, collaborating closely with other departments like finance and operations ensures alignment on purchasing needs and helps streamline procurement processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a purchasing professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Purchasing professional, you need strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and a solid understanding of supply chain management, typically supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa, and certifications like Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are common requirements. Attention to detail, effective communication, and relationship-building are vital soft skills for managing supplier interactions and resolving issues. These competencies ensure cost-effective procurement, risk mitigation, and smooth operations within the organization.

What is the difference between Purchasing vs Procurement Specialist?

AspectPurchasingProcurement Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like C.P.M. are commonOften requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CPSM are advantageous
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, handling purchase orders and supplier interactionsOffice and strategic planning, supplier negotiations, and contract management
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for buying goods and servicesMore strategic role, involved in sourcing and supplier relationship management

Purchasing focuses on the transactional aspect of buying goods and services, such as issuing purchase orders. Procurement specialists take a broader, strategic approach, including sourcing, negotiations, and supplier management. While both roles are essential in supply chain operations, procurement specialists often handle more complex negotiations and strategic planning compared to purchasing professionals.

Are purchasing jobs in demand?

Purchasing jobs are generally in demand across various industries as companies seek professionals to manage procurement, supply chain, and vendor relationships. These roles often require skills in negotiation, inventory management, and familiarity with procurement software, and employment growth depends on economic conditions and industry needs.

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 in various industries, with roles that can lead to management positions and require certifications like CPSM or C.P.M. for advancement.

What career paths exist in purchasing?

Career paths in purchasing include roles such as Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Category Manager, and Supply Chain Manager. Advancement often involves gaining experience, certifications like CPSM or CPM, and developing skills in negotiation, supplier management, and inventory control.

What does a purchasing job do?

A purchasing job involves sourcing, negotiating, and buying goods or services for a company to ensure quality and cost efficiency. Professionals in this role often use procurement software and need strong negotiation and organizational skills to manage supplier relationships and maintain inventory levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Ames, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing jobs in Ames, IA?

For Purchasing jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Purchasing jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Purchasing job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,855 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Purchasing Coordinator - Ames, IA

Seaboard Foods

Ames, IA • On-site

$20.50 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Seaboard Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

We currently have an exciting Purchasing Coordinator opportunity in our Ames, IA office. In this highly impactful role, you will convert customer requisitions of medications and supplies into purchase orders in an efficient and effective manner. This role will communicate with internal and external customers as needed for accuracy of order and receiving processes to ensure maximum support of customers.

ABOUT US

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork, and connecting every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh® pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our renewable gas projects on our farms creating renewable energy. Owned by Seaboard Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and nominated as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Kansas City’s Business Journal, we have a dynamic culture where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Produce accurate purchasing and accounting reports for others by collecting data from different sources. Interpret this data and identify possible answers.
  • Complete accurate data entry in appropriate software and provide feedback and suggestions for process improvement.
  • Organize and run complex reports to take appropriate action with given direction from the purchasing supervisor
  • Maintaining files such as orders and schedules in an orderly format
  • Communicate with internal and external customers as needed for accuracy of order and receiving processes to ensure maximum support of Seaboard Purchasing processes.
  • Assist accounting in review of invoices and support AP processes in a wide range of activities.
  • Performs other duties from time to time as deemed necessary by management

 

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES: instills trust, communicates effectively, action oriented, accepts accountability, and drives results.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

  • High School graduate or completed GED required.
  • Ability to use computers and 10-key.
  • Ability to learn and effectively use any and all computer programs that are or will be made available.

Preferred: Associate’s Degree

SCHEDULE

This position will be working out of our Ames, IA office. The expected hours are Mon-Fri on 1st shift.

COMPENSATION

We offer a competitive pay rate based on your skills and experience related to this position.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work demands listed here represent those an employee should possess to successfully perform the job's essential functions.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move around the facility. 
  • The employee must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Primarily an office environment with some need to work in the field.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration.
  • The noise level in the work environment is dependent on which environment you are in

 

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

  • Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
  • 401K with company match
  • Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
  • Wellness Program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee pork purchase program

For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site:

https://www.seaboardfoods.com/careers/why-sbf/

 

 

Seaboard Foods is an equal-opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans’ status, status as a disabled individual, or any other status protected by law.


What Seaboard Foods employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom