1

Temporary Purchasing Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Accounts Payable Specialist (Temporary) Location: Providence, RI Schedule: 35 hours per week ... Create requisitions and purchase orders in Workday for new contracts. * Process contract amendments ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Warwick, RI · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Registers customer purchases on assigned cash register, collects cash and distributes change as requested; processes voids, returns, rain checks, refunds, and exchanges as needed. * Keeps counters ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Providence, RI · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Registers customer purchases on assigned cash register, collects cash and distributes change as requested; processes voids, returns, rain checks, refunds, and exchanges as needed. * Keeps counters ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Warwick, RI · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Registers customer purchases on assigned cash register, collects cash and distributes change as requested; processes voids, returns, rain checks, refunds, and exchanges as needed. * Keeps counters ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Warwick, RI · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Registers customer purchases on assigned cash register, collects cash and distributes change as requested; processes voids, returns, rain checks, refunds, and exchanges as needed. * Keeps counters ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Providence, RI · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Registers customer purchases on assigned cash register, collects cash and distributes change as requested; processes voids, returns, rain checks, refunds, and exchanges as needed. * Keeps counters ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Temporary Purchasing information

What are some common challenges faced in a Temporary Purchasing role, and how can they be addressed?

Temporary Purchasing professionals often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new procurement processes and software while meeting urgent purchasing deadlines. Since they may be working with unfamiliar vendors and internal teams, building effective communication and understanding company policies rapidly is essential. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to proactively seek clarification on procedures, maintain organized records, and build rapport with key stakeholders early on. Staying flexible and resourceful enables temporary purchasing staff to contribute effectively even within a short assignment period.

What is the difference between Temporary Purchasing vs Permanent Purchasing?

AspectTemporary PurchasingPermanent Purchasing
CredentialsTypically requires a purchasing or supply chain certification, relevant experienceSame as temporary, often with additional qualifications for long-term roles
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-specific, often in fast-paced settingsFull-time, stable, integrated into company operations
Employer UsageUsed for short-term needs, seasonal projects, or to cover absencesUsed for ongoing procurement needs and strategic roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for by companies needing temporary procurement supportsearched for by companies seeking long-term procurement staff

Temporary Purchasing roles focus on short-term procurement needs, offering flexibility and quick staffing solutions. Permanent Purchasing positions involve ongoing responsibilities, strategic planning, and integration into company operations. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in duration and employment stability.

What are temporary purchasing jobs?

Temporary purchasing jobs are short-term positions focused on the procurement of goods and services for a company or organization. These roles often involve tasks such as sourcing suppliers, negotiating prices, creating purchase orders, and ensuring timely delivery of products. Temporary purchasing professionals may be hired to cover employee absences, manage increased workloads, or support special projects. These positions offer flexibility and the opportunity to gain experience in procurement without a long-term commitment.

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

To excel as a Temporary Purchasing professional, you typically need a background in supply chain management or business, strong analytical skills, and experience with procurement processes. Familiarity with purchasing software such as SAP, Oracle, or other ERP systems, as well as basic contract management, is often required. Strong negotiation, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help individuals stand out in this fast-paced role. These skills ensure timely, cost-effective purchasing decisions and smooth coordination with vendors, directly impacting organizational efficiency and cost savings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Rhode Island are:
Infographic showing various Temporary Purchasing job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

$46K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

This Purchasing Agent position is within the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids department at the VA Providence Healthcare System located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is permanent and full-time at 40 hours per week.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/27/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. Candidates may be advanced without time restriction to positions up to GS-5 if the position to be filled is no more than two grades above the lowest grade the employee held within the preceding 52 weeks under his or her latest non-temporary competitive appointment. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
You must qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
GS-5 Grade Requirements:
  • Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-04) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the position and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties as Purchasing Agent. Qualifying specialized experience includes performing administrative duties in a healthcare setting; reviewing and working with patients' medical records; completing training or assisting in routine and complex specialized purchases for clinics including medical equipment, prosthetic and orthotic appliances; utilizing computer software programs; and communicating with internal and external customers via various methods.
OR,
  • Education: Possess the successfully completed four (4) years above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college, or university. (Transcripts required)
OR,
  • Combination of Experience and Education: Possess the equivalent combinations of successfully completed post -high school education beyond two (2) years and specialized experience as described above that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this Purchasing Agent position. (Transcripts required)
GS-6 Grade Requirements:
  • Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the position and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties as Purchasing Agent. Qualifying specialized experience includes interpreting prescriptions and requests for medical equipment and services; maintaining regular contact with vendors, contractors, medical center professionals and staff ; utilizing a variety of databases and computer systems; purchasing equipment, supplies and services using an agency/organization purchase card; and reconciling charges and preparing and submitting reports.
Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary when conducting purchasing functions for PSAS. However, while conducting inventory management functions, the incumbent may work comfortably in a warehouse environment, sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, retrieving and managing inventory. Prolonged periods of working at a computer terminal is required. Ability to retrieve equipment from a storage room is required. Climbing associated with stocking of equipment and other items in storage areas is necessary. Incumbent may carry/lift items weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Normal safety precautions are adequate. The work involves moderate discomfort when visiting sites away from the office. At times, the employee may be required to wear protective clothing when visiting the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Fabrication Laboratory. There may be frequent walks between the main medical center and other parts of Prosthetics to conduct professional duties.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER