What Is a Purchasing Associate and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

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.

The qualifications that you need to become a purchasing associate vary from employer to employer. Most employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree, but may accept applicants with a high school diploma who have previous experience. Some companies have entry-level job options that include on-the-job training. In these positions, you develop skills by working under the supervision of a purchasing manager. In this career, you often have to know how to work with inventory and bookkeeping software. Depending on your job duties, you may need to communicate with suppliers and conduct negotiations to reduce the cost of materials.