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Sourcing Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Global Sourcing Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$39.99 - $44.44/hr

Unleash Your Impact in Global Sourcing! Are you ready to make a tangible difference in how quality ... Ability to understand and communicate effectively with diverse leaders and associates across ...

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Sourcing Associate information

See California salary details

$15

$35

$62

How much do sourcing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for sourcing associate in California is $35.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $42.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sourcing associate?

To thrive as a Sourcing Associate, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in supply chain management or business, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with procurement software (such as SAP Ariba or Coupa), Excel, and vendor management systems is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure effective supplier engagement, cost savings, and efficient procurement processes critical to organizational success.

What are some common challenges sourcing associates face when balancing supplier relationships and cost-effectiveness?

Sourcing Associates often navigate the challenge of maintaining strong supplier relationships while ensuring the company receives competitive pricing and quality. This involves negotiating contracts that benefit both parties and staying updated on market trends that may affect costs or supply chain reliability. Building trust with suppliers without compromising on organizational goals requires clear communication, attention to detail, and agile problem-solving. Additionally, Sourcing Associates must coordinate with internal teams to align procurement decisions with business needs and compliance standards.

What is the difference between Sourcing Associate vs Procurement Specialist?

AspectSourcing AssociateProcurement Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, or related fieldsSimilar educational background, often with certifications like CPSM or CIPS
Work EnvironmentSupports sourcing activities, supplier research, and negotiationsHandles end-to-end procurement processes, including purchasing and contract management
Industry UsageCommonly used in supply chain and procurement departmentsWidely used across industries for purchasing and vendor management
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry to mid-level sourcing rolesCompared for procurement and purchasing roles

The main difference is that a Sourcing Associate focuses on identifying and evaluating suppliers, negotiating terms, and supporting sourcing strategies. A Procurement Specialist manages the entire purchasing process, including order placement, contract management, and vendor relations. Both roles require similar qualifications but differ in scope and responsibilities within the supply chain process.

How much does a sourcing associate make?

A sourcing associate typically earns between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and bonuses.

Is sourcing a stressful job?

Sourcing as a job involves identifying and evaluating potential suppliers or candidates, which can be demanding due to tight deadlines, high accuracy requirements, and the need for strong negotiation skills. While some find it challenging, effective organization and experience can help manage stress levels in this role.

What does a sourcing associate do?

A sourcing associate is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers or vendors to meet a company's procurement needs. They analyze market trends, negotiate contracts, and use tools like procurement software to ensure cost-effective and timely sourcing of goods and services. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and attention to detail are essential in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sourcing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Sourcing jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Sourcing Associate jobs in California?

For Sourcing Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Sourcing Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sourcing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Sourcing Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,878 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Sourcing Associate Specialist

Southern California Edison

Pomona, CA โ€ข On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution

Become a Sourcing Associate Specialist at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, youโ€™ll support and develop sourcing strategies within the Operational Procurement โ€“ Direct Materials organization for various material categories such as poles, distribution and substation apparatus equipment, wire and cable, transformers, MRO supplies, safety equipment and chemicals and gases, etc. As a Sourcing Associate Specialist, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to take on the challenge to help us build the future?

Responsibilities
  • Aids in executing purchasing and sourcing strategies, addressing short-term and long-term material requirements to achieve the purchasing performance metrics of timely delivery, right quality and optimum cost.
  • Assists with the undertaking of analysis supporting the resolution of risk issues and gap identi๏ฌcation. Participates in the negotiation process to achieve best value and commercial terms and conditions of moderately complex purchase orders, change orders, requests for proposals, and contracts/agreements. Helps maintain e๏ฌ€ective stakeholder relationships with internal customers to become a trusted business partner.
  • Aids in identifying critical suppliers and creates appropriate engagement plans to ensure the supply chain risk pro๏ฌle and inputs to continuous improvement are proactively managed.
  • Helps understand supplier's position, desired outcomes, and leverage points and establishes structured negotiation plans with clarity of desired outcomes, leveraging stakeholder input and support where appropriate.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, ๏ฌnancial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, con๏ฌdential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Experience in supply chain, procurement, and/or contract management.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, or related field
  • Experience in purchasing, contract management and/or negotiating contracts
  • Experience using SAP software in a purchasing environment, and utilizing Ariba Sourcing, Contracting, and P2P modules.
  • Knowledge and decision-making experience of purchasing practices and policies, and knowledge of procurement contracts and standard terms and conditions.
  • Experience with industry best practices, standards, utility regulations, procedures and compliance as they relate to purchasing.
  • Experience prioritizing and balancing multiple projects simultaneously, and analyzing information and making strategic decisions regarding scope, impact, policy, development, and implementation.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including oral presentations, formal correspondence, contractual documentation, and negotiations.
  • CPM, CPSM, CPCM, CCCM, and/or PMP certification(s).
  • Ability to follow Edison safety protocols and safe work practices
Additional Information
  • This positionโ€™s work mode is hybrid. The employee will report to an SCE facility for a set number of days with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. Unless otherwise noted, employees are required to work andreside in the state of California. Further details of this work mode will be discussed at the interview stage. The work mode can be changed based on business needs.
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
  • Relocation does not apply to this position.
About Southern California Edison

The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. Weโ€™re fueling the kind of innovation thatโ€™s changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, youโ€™ll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.

Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at AskHR@sce.com or (626) 302-3456 and select option 2.

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