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Purchasing Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated November 6, 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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9 min read

A 7757445purchasing4.82procurement2.78administrative assistant2.71buyer2.32supply chain2.088199632849240000.0085280.89146000.00YEARLY30577322025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Assistant, or Assistant Buyer, is responsible for supporting business operations by ordering products or materials that agree with their employer’s brand. Their duties include maintaining relationships with Suppliers, Vendors or Wholesalers, placing orders for products based on current inventory needs and tracking shipments from manufacturing locations to retail stores or company warehouses.

7757445purchasing4.82procurement2.78administrative assistant2.71buyer2.32supply chain2.088199632849240000.0085280.89146000.00YEARLY30577322025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Assistant duties and responsibilities

Purchasing assistants must maintain good relationships with the organization’s vendors. They perform market research to get the best deals for the company and ensure timely delivery of products and materials. Here are some examples of 7757445purchasing4.82procurement2.78administrative assistant2.71buyer2.32supply chain2.088199632849240000.0085280.89146000.00YEARLY30577322025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Assistant duties:

  • Working with the purchasing manager to run the purchasing department
  • Performing vendor research and selection to enhance profitability, reducing operating costs and boosting efficiency
  • Maintaining cordial working relationships with vendors and supervising vendor activities
  • Signing and reviewing purchasing agreements with vendors, monitoring their performance and renegotiating contracts
  • Using quarterly and annual data to determine purchasing needs and performing inventory management
  • Managing purchase orders, overseeing shipping schedules and maintaining purchase records
  • Working with warehouse staff to compare deliveries with purchase orders to identify discrepancies
  • Conducting ongoing market research to identify beneficial purchase agreements and potential vendors

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Purchasing Assistant Job Description Examples

Example 1

A leading display manufacturer wants you to join our growing team! Candidates will be capable of seeing and fully understanding the importance of purchasing in the overall success of a dynamic manufacturing business.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Review and evaluate buying reports to determine level of inventory needed
  • Enter purchase orders into our ERP system
  • Evaluate and recommend cost savings strategies
  • Ensure timely delivery of materials to shop based on commitments
  • Research alternative suppliers
  • Grow long term working relationships with key suppliers
  • Make recommendations in make/buy decisions
  • Perform evaluations of suppliers based on cost, quality, service, and delivery performance and provide results to management
  • Resolve invoicing and shipping discrepancies with suppliers and internal departments

Qualifications:Candidate must be able to demonstrate sound experience in proactive purchasing and form good working relationships with vendors. Must own the ability to work under limited supervision and be detail oriented and self-motivated. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Must be able to interface on a daily basis with all personnel within the company, with special emphasis on engineering, customer service, and manufacturing. PC literate and aptitude to learn operation of purchasing system is required. Proficiency in Excel and outlook is preferred.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 25 per week

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
Schedule:
  • Monday to Location: In person

Example 2

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8AM-5PM

JOB Desription:

To source and obtain useable items and indirect services for the business. Manage stock levels ensuring strong availability of raw materials production while keeping in line with stock targets. Support the Purchasing Manager with the management of key laminate supplier order process. Source new materials for the business operation. Can build strong relationships with external suppliers and internal stake holders. Needs to research and highlight new cost saving opportunities and efficiencies.

Responsibilities:

  • Regularly reviewing consumable stock levels and raising new purchase orders.
  • Expediting or delaying purchase orders when required.
  • Maximizing value by sourcing competitively and reviewing new suppliers and product innovations.
  • Monitor raw material pricing and produce monthly reports.
  • Proactively searching for cost saving opportunities.
  • Maintaining accurate supplier and product details in order to keep database up-to-date.
  • Understanding of invoices to goods receipt notes and approving invoices for payment.
  • Placing credit card orders in line with the purchasing policy and monthly settlement of statement with VAT receipts.
  • Manage the organization and storage of supplier delivery notes and product samples.
  • Checking supplier dispatch documentation to ensure correct specification and correct quantity of products have been dispatched.
  • Communicate with warehouse colleagues to inform of expected deliveries and any goods in requirements.
  • Work closely with the warehouse team to ensure excellent stock accuracy.
  • Work closely with the customer services team to provide accurate and prompt ations.
  • Work closely with the quality department and suppliers to resolve any supplier non conformances.
  • Managing and maintaining supplier approval process in line with ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
  • Work towards limiting the companies environmental impact in line with ISO 14001:2015 requirements.
  • Develop and in-depth understanding of the Purchasing Managers role, supporting where required, and covering during absences.
  • Develop and in-depth understanding of the Logistics Managers role, supporting where required, and covering during absences.
  • Providing updates to the Purchasing Manager for the daily production meeting and attending when required.
  • Producing monthly reports for the Purchasing Manager.
  • Attending internal and external meetings where required, with occasional travel, both UK and Internationally.
  • To support the business operation with any ad hoc requests.

Skills AND Expereience:

  • Educated to graduate level or experience of a similar role within the supply chain
  • Understanding of end-to-end sourcing and supplier management processes
  • Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office
  • Working within the manufacturing industry
  • Use of Microsoft Dynamics BC
  • Knowledge of the procure to pay process, Inventory management and Incoterms would be advantageous
  • Working with an MRP system
  • Good with numbers
  • A keen eye for detail, effective time management, problem solving and analytical skills
  • Strategic and innovative thinking skills
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and cope in a fast-moving environment
  • Eagerness to learn and the ability to implement feedback through training
  • Competitive and goal orientated.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills.
  • IT literate with strong Excel skills.
  • Resourceful, well organized and able to work off own initiative

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Orlando, FL 32837: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Procurement: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Purchasing: 1 year Location: In person

Example 3

Seeking to hire highly motivated individual to join the team. The ideal candidate for this position will be highly flexible, able to multi-task, a team player, organized, and dependable.

Automotive exp preferred

The candidate should be enthusiastic and personable with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Essential Duties

  • Establish and maintain new and existing customers to discuss needs
  • Join daily and evening (very occasionally) meetings as needed
  • Receive RFQ and work internally with engineering and cost department to prepare ation
  • Negotiate prices and terms and prepare sales agreements
  • Keep track price change for all the products
  • Coordinate with other team members and departments to optimize the sales effort
  • Communicate internally to ensure procedures have begun to meet Customer expectations or deliverables
  • Maintain new products and all the sales record in SAP (will provide training)
  • Organize and file all the sales documents, including contracts/POs/all other documents
  • Track open issues and set goals and plans on how to resolve the issues
  • Prepare reports for management
  • Support Headquarter Sales team for global projects
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Bachelor s degree in Business, 1-year related working experience a plus Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Excellent computer skills are essential; proficient is Microsoft excel/word/outlook, SAP experience a plus
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
  • Bilingual (English and Mandarin) is a plus, but not required
  • Clerical background in a manufacturing facility

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
Schedule:
  • Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Troy, MI 48084: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:
  • Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:
  • Customer service: 1 year (Required)
  • Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Required)
  • Microsoft Word: 1 year Location: One location

Example 4

No recruiters, please. Qualified candidates, please submit resume for consideration.

Doctor's Best, Inc., a well-known science-based brand in the nutraceutical/dietary supplement industry is seeking to add an experienced Purchasing Assistantto the team.

This is a clerical role with the primary purpose of providing daily support with the procurement process to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of goods and services from multiple contract partners. Industry experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with issuing Purchase Orders for all customer supplied items.
  • Responsible for PO follow-up from submission through receipt process.
  • Manage and maintain date fields in ERP system.
  • Prepare report showing items at risk of backorder due to scheduling concerns.
  • Responsible for the constant maintenance of Master PO template in ERP system. Performs updates as needed to supplier information, unit cost, product codes, etc.
  • Assist with tracking supplier delivery performance based on established KPI's.
  • Coordinate weekly Open Order status report with contract manufacturing partners.
  • Review and resolve any PO price discrepancies. Track all price variances and provide monthly report to managers.
  • Make necessary updates in ERP system to any items that are obsolete or have been discontinued.
  • Perform a quarterly review of raw materials to identify short-dated, and/or excess inventory, and transfer between contract manufacturers where appropriate. Ensure the proper disposal of obsolete materials.
  • Monitor the usage of customer supplied materials to ensure compliance with FEFO requirements and identify any potential risk for nonconformity.
  • Ensure all POs have appropriate signature approvals then file hard copies in respective folders.
  • Assist with analyzing forecast data each month. Compare the previous month to current data and provide a report showing any anomalies.
  • Responsible for coordinating freight with DRB Distribution Warehouse and external partners, tracking goods until delivery.
  • Data entry as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • 3-5 years proven experience as a Purchasing Assistant or in a similar role.
  • Knowledge of supply chain management principles and practices.
  • Familiarity with inventory control procedures and techniques.
  • Proficient using ERP system
  • Strong attention to detail and data entry experience.
  • Excellent organization and follow-up
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • High School diploma/GED required
  • AA Degree or equivalent technical training preferred
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday



Experience:
  • Purchasing: 3 years Location: In person

Example 5

Your primary job would be to work with our purchasing team, acting as a secondary point of contact for new and current vendors. Your main responsibilities will include researching new vendors, tracking deliveries and updating our internal databases with order details (dates, vendors, quantities, discounts).

Duties/Responsibilities:

Enter purchase orders into internal databases.

Update internal databases with new purchase order details (dates, vendors, quantities, discounts).

Follow-up with suppliers, as needed, to confirm or change orders

discussions with the supply base about minimum quantity orders and lead times

Track orders and ensuring timely delivery.

Liaise with traffic team and warehouse team to ensure all products arrive in good condition.

Assist in monitoring stock levels and identifying purchasing needs.

Maintain updated records.

Initiate vendor claims as needed.

Other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Working Knowledge of Microsoft Business Apps (MS Excel, Outlook).

Data entry experience and skills.

Strong phone presence and experience dialing dozens of calls per day.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively.

Good understanding of supply chain procedures.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
No

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Clayton, OH 45315: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Computer skills: 1 year Location: One location

Example 6

Position: Purchasing Assistant

Reports to: Purchasing Manager

General Job Description:The Purchasing Assistant will work closely and assist the Purchasing Manager with coordinating job materials and working with supervisors to maintain schedule, materials and equipment required for HVAC construction jobs.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Answer incoming calls to purchasing department.
  • Issue P.O.s to supervisors for will-call pickup items in Austin, Denver and DFW
  • Schedule delivery and pickup of rental equipment.
  • Confirm and report day laborer time.
  • Track shipment of items ordered and backorders when needed.
  • Reconciling PO's with discrepancies.
  • Issuing material/equipment transfers between jobs.
  • Other administrative duties to support the Purchasing department.

Required Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid Texas Driver s License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with vendors and co-workers.
  • Working knowledge of various computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Computer skills including intermediate knowledge of MS Office applications (Word and Excel)
  • Ability to learn new software technologies as needed.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment.

Desired qualification:

  • Previous purchasing experience in HVAC or other construction environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift



Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:
  • Purchasing: 1 year Location: In person

Example 7

Surroundings is searching for an individual to join our all-star team and fulfill our Purchasing Coordinator position!

The general responsibilities of our Design Assistant include (but are not limited to):

  • Place Purchase Orders
  • Purchase Order follow up
  • Acknowledgement Review
  • Merchandise Arrival Steps
  • Customer Service (Issues and Returns)

Skills/Qualifications:

Supply Management, Vendor Relationships and Knowledge, Extreme Organization, Customer Service, Documentation Skills,

MUST have relevant experience!

Sounds like you could be a great fit? Please apply below!

due to the high volume of calls we receive, please do not call our showroom inquiring about the position

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus Location: In person

Example 8

Perform and/or share ALL Office Duties (Purchasing (Domestic and Offshore)/ Inventory Management/ Receiving/ Order Entry/ Answering Phones) in demanding high energy productive atmosphere (6 person office).

Requires confidential team player with great computer and communication skills for established, 70 years, privately owned specialized Industrial Supply Co; which uses a windows based software package to maintain large inventory and all office functions.

Applicant must have current Business School/Accounting or College business courses + experience in purchasing and Microsoft office (excel, word).

Hourly wage based on education and current employment experience!

Full-TimeHours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Monroeville, PA (Golden Mile Highway area)

Must have own transportation, valid driver's license, and live within a 30-minute commute.

Must consent to drug testing and have clean background check.

Benefits include: Paid Highmark Blue Cross Hospitalization, Dental, Prescriptions, 25K Life Insurance, (7) Paid Holidays, Company Paid Profit Sharing Plan.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 8 hour Location: In person

Example 9

We are looking for an experience Purchasing Assistant/Inventory Control I . The job includes, organizing, and making sure that receipts of items purchased are recorded promptly, accurately and ensure completeness of documentation. This position requires a responsible employee who is organized, hardworking, reliable person to join our fast-paced, growing team. Responsibilities
  • Check the Shipment/Importation Log for arriving shipments.
  • Gather all importation documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Proof of Delivery from Forwarder, Receiving Report from the Warehouse, and other related documents.
  • Compare Commercial Invoice against Purchase Order and bring to the attention of Buyer concerned, discrepancy noted.
  • Compare the Packing List against Warehouse Receiving Report and bring to the attention of the Buyer concerned, discrepancy noted.
  • Perform importation cost allocation necessary in inputting receipts at landed cost.
  • Input Receipts in the Receipt Entry Sub-Module of the Purchase Order Transactions Module of Sage 300.
  • Input adjustments in the Adjustments Sub-Module in I/C Transactions Sub-Module of the Inventory Control Module of Sage 300 for quantity or cost or both as the need arises.
  • Maintain file for each receipt of shipment complete with the required documentation.
  • Create Returns in the Return Entry Sub-Module of the P/O Transactions Module in Sage 300 for items returned to vendor per written advice (with supporting documents) from the Buyer. Requirements
  • Basic accounting knowledge, preferred.
  • 2-3 years' work experience as Inventory Control Assistant in a retail or wholesale environment is a must.
  • Experience in using Accpac or Sage Accounting software is an advantage.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is a must. Job Type: Full-time Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday COVID-19 considerations: Social distancing guidelines in place. Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place. Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Los Angeles, CA 90007: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Experience:
  • Inventory control: 1 year Location: One location

Example 10

Purchasing Assistant needed for a manufacturing company. We will train and help with your development. Some experience in purchasing in a manufacturing environment is required. A basic understanding of the purchasing process is recommended in order to succeed in this position. Your position requires you to purchase all goods and materials (both finished and raw) in order to keep operations running smoothly. Daily order requisitions and closing out of purchase orders along with researching new materials and vendors are all part of the daily activities of the position. Responsibilities and Duties Some of the functions/responsibilities include:
  • Order goods/materials daily
  • Receiving goods/materials daily
  • Checking of goods/materials
  • Closing out of purchase orders to accounting
  • Filing
  • Research
  • Negotiating pricing/terms with new vendors
  • Driving to local vendors for pick up/delivery of materials Qualifications: Skills are needed for this position.
  • Purchasing in Manufacturing
  • Knowledge of different materials
  • Research Skills
  • Organization
  • Outlook exp.
  • Quickbooks exp. (a plus but not needed)
  • Willing to learn new techniques
  • Able to bring new techniques
  • Clean driving record Job Type: Full-time Pay: $19.00 per hour Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Pacoima, CA 91331: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Experience:
  • Procurement: 2 years (Preferred)
  • Purchasing: 2 years (Preferred) License/Certification:
  • Driver's License Location: One location

Example 11

The Purchasing Assistant is a full-time position which will report directly to the Vice President of Fortune Energy. This position is located in our Simi Valley, CA office. Core office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., 40 hours per week, with an unpaid hour lunch. This position is paid hourly. Job Description Manage and maintain Solar product supply inventory for all offices Produce and distribute Purchase Orders for all necessary customer Solar products Coordinate with each warehouse manager and arrange shipping for all necessary purchases Maintain good relationships with all vendors Coordinate and negotiate all Vendor pricing to keep inventory cost at a reasonable and cost effective price Develop and maintain new vendor relationships Update all Sales teams regarding product availability Generate monthly Purchase Conclusion and Vendor Reports Responsible for inventory turnover target and rate Coordinate with all vendors about product availability Answer all Sales Team Special Order inquiries with pricing, shipping and ETA costs Place all approved orders with Vendors Follow-up with Vendors regarding pick-up and delivery schedules Responsible for the development of new products Order, maintain and manager all necessary office supplies in all offices Knowledge AND SKILL Requirements Education: Bachelor's Degree in related field preferred Working experience: Minimum of three years of Purchasing or related experiences preferred Excellent knowledge of MS Office, proficiency in excel is a must Superior written and verbal communications skills, coupled with highly developed interpersonal skills Strong time management skills with demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities within tight timelines and high client expectations Attention to detail is a must!! *Benefits include: Medical and Dental Insurance, Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays after only 60 days of employment* WHO ARE WE Looking FOR? You must be able to demonstrate that you are self-motivated, can work independently and take initiative and ownership for your area of responsibility. Your past experience will have given you first class organization skills as well as strong communication skills. You will enjoy working as part of a team and your customer focused attitude enables you to deal with people of all levels internally as well as with external customers and vendors. In a high energy, fast paced and achievement orientation environment, you need to be flexible and enjoy solving a variety of challenges and issues. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $20.00 per hour Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Simi Valley, CA 93065: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Experience:
  • Procurement: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Purchasing: 1 year Location: One location

Example 12

Description For over 40 years, Samy's Camera has been the leader in sales and rentals of the highest quality imaging products and the ultimate resource for the professional and amateur photographer. We have an immediate opening for a Purchasing Assistant at our main office located in the Playa Vista area. Responsibilities for this entry level position may include (but would not be limited to):
  • Creating Purchase Orders
  • Working with vendors & our warehouse staff: send reports, obtain RMAs, solve discrepancy issues
  • Processing price changes
  • Programming instant rebates & reports
  • Running reports
  • Facilitating merchandise transfers and returns
  • Generating and submitting various invoices to vendors
  • Data entry
  • Assisting buyers with other projects as needed Great benefits package includes participation in Major Medical policy, Life Insurance policy, 401K plan, Employee discounts, Vacation, Sick and Holiday Pay. Requirements
  • Must be detail oriented and able to deliver accurate work
  • Friendly demeanor, must work well with others
  • Good written and verbal communications skills are essential
  • Must be comfortable working with Excel (proficiency in Outlook, Word, Acrobat and/or accounting software a +)
  • Minimum typing speed: 45 WPM
  • Must be comfortable working in multiple programs simultaneously
  • Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
  • 10-key by touch desirable
  • Retail experience preferred
  • Must have ability to multitask and work with deadlines
  • Proficiency in mathematics
  • Qualified candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have some prior experience Great benefits package includes participation in Major Medical policy, Life Insurance policy, 401K plan, Employee discounts, Vacation, Sick and Holiday Pay Samy's Camera will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring (Ban the Box) Ordinance. Privacy Notice: Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the Company is notifying you that by applying for a position, you are providing us the following categories of personal information that we may use to evaluate your candidacy for employment, communicate with you regarding your candidacy, and obtain and verify background checks, and references: Personal Identifiers (e.g., name, SSN); Contact Information (e.g., mailing address, email, phone number), Employment History (e.g., current and former positions held, work experience, and any Job Type: Full-time Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift COVID-19 considerations: Samy's Camera takes all the recommended COVID-19 precautions. Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Los Angeles, CA 90066: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Experience:
  • Procurement: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Purchasing: 1 year Location: One location
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What does a 7757445purchasing4.82procurement2.78administrative assistant2.71buyer2.32supply chain2.088199632849240000.0085280.89146000.00YEARLY30577322025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Assistant do?

Purchasing Assistants typically work for corporations across industries, including retail, healthcare and other industries that require the purchase or sale of products. They work closely with other Purchasing Assistants, Salespeople, Accountants and Logistics Specialists to determine budgets for purchasing products, the types of products to buy and the progress of inventory shipments. Their job is it review sales numbers and order products based on customer demand and seasonal trends. They may be responsible for updating Vendor or Wholesaler contact information and renewing Vendor contracts.

7757445purchasing4.82procurement2.78administrative assistant2.71buyer2.32supply chain2.088199632849240000.0085280.89146000.00YEARLY30577322025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Assistant skills and qualifications

A successful 7757445purchasing4.82procurement2.78administrative assistant2.71buyer2.32supply chain2.088199632849240000.0085280.89146000.00YEARLY30577322025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Assistant candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for duties. This section can include specific educational credentials, skills and experiences you want in the ideal candidate. Some Purchasing Asisstant qualifications include the following:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (Associate Degree or B.Sc. in Logistics, Purchase and Supply, Business Administration or related fields are typically preferred)
  • At least two years of experience in a purchasing position
  • In-depth knowledge of purchasing functions, inventory and supply management systems
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Strong organizational skills, a good understanding of sourcing and the ability to maintain vendor relationships
  • Direct experience with spreadsheet computer applications
  • Ability to use purchasing software

Purchasing Assistant salary expectations

A Purchasing Assistant makes an average of $16.19 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Purchasing Assistant salary expectations

2025-10-0140000.0085280.89146000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 85280.89 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 40000.00 - 146000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Purchasing Assistant education and training requirements

Most people can get Purchasing Assistant positions with a high school diploma or GED. However, some roles require at least an associate degree or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Management or a related field. Purchasing Assistants with clerical and administrative experience or knowledge of inventory management have an advantage over other applicants.

Employers often provide extensive training after hiring candidates to familiarize them with their operating protocols, purchasing software and inventory management systems. With enough job experience and advanced education, a Purchasing Assistant can move to senior roles such as a Purchasing Manager, Supply Chain Manager and related positions.

Purchasing Assistant experience requirements

A successful Purchasing Assistant will be proficient in purchase, supply and inventory management. The position requires good client service skills to collaborate with different departments, support managers and work with vendors. They also need clerical skills to prepare and track orders, maintain purchase records and file reports. Vendor selection and negotiation require impeccable relationship management skills to ensure the organization picks only the best and most reliable contractors.

Purchasing Assistants need excellent written and verbal communication skills to negotiate contracts, work with shippers, colleagues and the purchasing manager. Purchasing Assistants should also have a fundamental knowledge of computer programs. This will enable them to learn how to use their company’s preferred purchasing and inventory management software.

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Frequently asked questions about Purchasing Assistants

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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