Purchasing Agent Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Last updated April 16, 2026

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A purchasing agent, or procurement officer, sources goods and services for a company. Duties you may want to include in your purchasing agent job description are: identifying and evaluating suppliers, managing procurement transactions and keeping accurate pricing records.

Purchasing Agent

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Purchasing Agent: Hiring Fast Facts

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Purchasing agent duties and responsibilities

Purchasing agents buy raw materials, office supplies and other goods like clothing. They also procure services, such as business consulting and accounting. A purchasing agent typically evaluates price proposals and negotiates contracts with suppliers.

Common duties include:

Researching products and comparing prices
Assessing the quality and reliability of potential suppliers
Tracking purchases and shipments
Approving purchase orders and making payments to vendors
Reviewing requisition forms, including the vendor, dates of approval and product quantity
Soliciting bids from potential suppliers
Forecasting inventory needs based on sales trends
Administering vendor contracts, including drafting and following up on those needing renewal

Hire your next Purchasing Agent today

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Hire your next Purchasing Agent today

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Purchasing Agent Job Description Examples

Example 1

Company

ABC Parts International, Inc. is a distributor of aftermarket automotive body parts in the Tri-State area.

Our product line includes hoods, fenders, bumpers, lights, grilles, radiators, condensers, and more. We take pride in providing our customers with superior service of a wide range of automotive parts in the industry.

With more than 35 years of experience in business, we would like to continue our outstanding service with people who have a passion for their work.

Summary Job Description:

Under the supervision of General Manager and Senior Purchasing Agent you will be trained to do the purchasing using predetermined macros in Microsoft Excel.

Principle responsibilities:

- Evaluate vendors by considering price, quality, availability, and other criteria using Microsoft Excel.

- Interact with suppliers to schedule delivery times and resolve shipping errors.

- Update purchase orders as shipments arrive.

Job Requirements:

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Suites.

- Ability to effectively communicate with associates and vendors in a professional manner.

- Experience in purchasing is preferred.

- Familiarity in the Automotive Industry.

Schedule:

- 8 am- 4:45pm

- Monday-Friday

- Full-time

Benefits:

- Health plan with employer contribution after 90 days, 401k with employer matching and FSA, Paid Time Off, Employee Discount, Paid holidays, Employee Referral Program, Etc.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Employee discount
Health insurance
Health savings account
Paid time off
Parental leave
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

Mineola, NY 11501: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

Procurement: 1 year (Preferred)
Purchasing: 1 year Location: One location

Example 2

Summary

The Junior Purchasing Agent will be responsible for daily tasks that support the purchasing needs of the Company. This person must be organized, detail-oriented and able to effectively initiate, facilitate, and track purchase orders according to the Company s procurement policies.

Aqua Metals believes that the only path to achieving global emissions targets is a combination of electrifying transportation that is recharged with renewable electricity and sustainably recycling the lithium-ion batteries with renewable electricity. To that end, Aqua Metals is developing cleaner metals recycling that can deliver high-value raw materials back into the battery manufacturing supply chain while reducing emissions and waste streams and creating safer work environments.

We are the only company that has developed a commercially proven, sustainable, closed-loop metal recycling process, and Aqua Metals is applying its commercialized clean, water-based recycling technology principles to develop the cleanest and most cost-efficient recycling solution for lithium-ion batteries. Our technology will produce higher quality products at a lower operating cost without the damaging effects of furnaces, chemical waste streams, and greenhouse emissions.

Essential Functions

Become the purchasing subject matter expert for the Company. Keep current on any purchasing policy changes and communicate as appropriate.
Own the purchasing process for the Company: NDA verification, e, price negotiation, purchase requisition, purchase order placement, delivery tracking, expediting, shipment coordination, and material discrepancy reporting.
Create PRs/POs/contract requests.
Assist with the preparation of purchase requisitions in conjunction with the Company s procurement policies.
Review all purchase orders for accuracy and compliance according to procurement policies and procedures before sending for approval.
Submit approved POs with required documentation including es and PRs via Global Shop Solutions (GSS) system.
Track and document when orders/materials are received in GSS.
Follow up with appropriate people and departments as needed to ensure follow through of each order.
Source vendors for department requests as needed.
Maintain and update vendor information as necessary.
Expediting contracts and back ordered items and communicate status timely to respective stakeholders.
Support managers to implement a new ERP system and business strategy.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education

Associate degree in business administration, supply chain, or relevant field OR comparable work experience.
1 - 3 years of purchasing experience.
Possesses strong negotiation skills.
Good verbal and written communications skills.
Capable of staying within a given budget.
Good math skills and is quickly able to calculate the cost of goods and services.
Must have exceptional organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
Additional language skills, bi-lingual or multi-lingual (preferred).
Software/Hardware: Global Shop Solutions, Microsoft Office suite, internet, Adobe, Oracle NetSuite, as well as varying specific company software platforms; computer (desk and laptop), phone, fax, copier, scanner, and other related office equipment (audio/video/media equipment).

Premium Benefits Package:

3 Aetna PPO Medical plan offerings:
Two medical plans are 100% company paid for you and your family;
Third medical plan has very low cost sharing per biweekly paycheck.
Dental and Vision plans 100% company paid for you and family
Company paid: Short & Long-Term Disability
Company paid: Life Insurance/AD&D)
401K Match program with Fidelity Investments

- Immediate vesting after quarterly open enrollment

- Employer match maximum of 4% to employee's 5% deferral

9 Paid Holidays
3 weeks accrued Paid Time Off

[website]

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, military status, an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other protected category. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing and background verification checks.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per Location: In person

Example 3

Job Title: Purchasing Agent

Department: Procurement

Reports to: Purchasing Manager

Job Location: Streetsboro, Ohio

Job Type: Full Time

Gebhardt Intralogistics Group was founded in 1952 and is one of the world s leading companies for internal logistics. Businesses around the world from a wide range of industries value Gebhardt s modular intralogistics solutions - flexible in application - for the optimum flow of materials within their production and warehouse systems. With over 70 years of experience in the development and implementation of logistical processes, Gebhardt offers broad know-how in project execution, from planning and realization through to the ongoing support of optimally integrated solutions. Gebhardt warehouse technology guarantees maximum delivery capability, and our modern warehouse technology converts simple buildings into efficient distribution centers. Shuttles, Automated Guide Vehicles and Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems facilitate high handling capacity within the warehouse and in E- commerce order fulfillment.

Job Summary:

The Purchasing Agent will be responsible for procurement of goods and services as well as ensuring cost-effective purchases and consistent delivery of quality goods and services.

Duties/Responsibilities:

- Build and maintain long-term relationships with vendors and suppliers.

- Organize and confirm delivery of goods and services.

- Oversee the tracking of shipments.

- Conduct cost analysis and seek out more cost-effective options.

- Prepare and submit detailed reports.

- Keep updated records.

- All other duties & responsibilities as assigned by management.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Proven experience as a purchasing agent or relevant role.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines .
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks.
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Ability to perform all duties & responsibilities in a safe manner

Education and Experience:

Bachelor s degree in business administration or related field preferred.

At least two years related experience required.

Previous experience in SAP or other ERP system required.

Prior knowledge in MRP preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Job Type: Full-time

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

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

Bonus opportunities

Ability to commute/relocate:

Streetsboro, OH 44241: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

Do you have any ERP system experience?

Experience:

Procurement: 1 year Location: In person

Example 4

Imperium Healthcare Consulting is looking for a Purchasing Agent who will be responsible for procurement of goods and services for the organization, the Purchasing Agent will ensure cost-effective purchases and consistent delivery of quality goods and services.

Imperium Healthcare Consulting is a part of a state-of-the-art cutaneous reconstructive surgery, laser, and dermatology practice in Syracuse, NY. We are a team including physicians, nurses and professional staff looking for top people to help us grow our practice and contribute to our mission of delivering personalized service and ethical, skilled and comprehensive care.

Responsibilities:

Build and maintain long-term relationships with vendors and suppliers
Approve purchase orders and organize and confirm delivery of goods and services
Oversee and manage the tracking of shipments, inventory, and the supply of goods
Develop procurement strategies that are inventive and cost-effective
Conduct cost analysis and establish benchmarks for improvement
Supervise and manage the responsibilities of the Purchasing Specialist

Education/Experience:

Bachelor s degree in supply chain management, logistics, or business administration
Previous experience managing supply chain operations
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
In-depth with contract review and negotiation
Previous management experience
Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks

Imperium Healthcare Consulting offers a competitive benefits package!

Paid time off and Paid Holidays
No waiting period for health and dental insurance benefits
401k plan with 3% Employer contribution
Long term disability insurance
Employee referral program
Employee discounts
Catered lunches almost every day

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Schedule:

Monday to Location: Hybrid remote in East Syracuse, NY

Example 5

Who we are:

Our family-owned company began with twenty-five employees and has a proud history of extraordinary service and growth to the inland waterways. With over 1,300 employees in the JMI family of companies, we have 12 locations across Kentucky and Louisiana. We proudly promote a diverse workforce with an inclusive culture that encourages creativity and a positive team environment.

Job Summary:

The purchasing agent will be responsible for the procurement of goods and services such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and advertising, for the organization. The work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

What you ll do:

Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.
Selects goods and services for purchase by testing, observing, or examining items.
Recommends significant purchases for review by Purchasing Director.
Estimates values according to knowledge of market price.
Review Invoices and Receipt Tickets.
Prepares purchase orders.
Maintains procurement records such as items or services purchased costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.
Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with vendors and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action.
Approves invoices for payment after verifying receipt of goods and services.

What you ll need:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively to customers, vendor/suppliers and employees of organization.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of accounting software; Database software and Word Processing software.
Clear written and verbal communications.
Good time management skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $1.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Overtime

Ability to commute/relocate:

Paducah, KY 42003: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

Purchasing: 1 year Location: In person

Example 6

Summary Objective:

Plant Purchasing and management.

Back up support to Project Assistant needs with project information specific to contract documents.

Demonstrate a consistent positive attitude towards work and teammates.

Primary Responsibilities:

Data entry and buyout of plant material.

Create and monitor plant purchase orders.

Verify plant counts and phasing.

RFI/Substitution Request management.

Shipment Coordination and Scheduling.

Supplier Research.

In house Plant Inventory Management.

Project Assistant Support:

Prepare transmittals for package deliveries.

Ordering project management department supplies.

Maintain documents in Foreman stacking trays for field use.

Help with weekly safety meetings and order PPE gear.

Print/laminate job site maps/plans and distribute or file.

Maintain daily filing in project books & files.

Project folder set-up on network.

Assemble project books, Office, Project Manager, and Foreman, and distribute or file.

Build Site Safety Plan and submit.

Prepare O&M s and submit.

Manage as-built drawings.

Send out job information sheets to suppliers.

Send extra stock to General Contractor.

Send letters requesting substantial completion, maintenance period start, final acceptance, and final acceptance warranty.

Archive project.

Key result areas:

Project information and data is kept current and is readily accessible.

Project Managers are consistently supported to get the job done.

Minimum requirements:

3 years minimum purchasing experience

Washington State Driver s License with a favorable driving record.

Proficient in the Microsoft Suite, Outlook and PDF editing.

MUST Pass drug screening

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

Tacoma, WA 98444: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

Microsoft Excel: 3 years (Required)
Purchasing: 3 years Location: In person

Example 7

Purchasing Agent performs a variety of clerical and administrative duties for the facility including purchase of general consumables as required to maintain a constant flow of materials and supplies to assigned areas within the plant.

Essential Duties AND Responsibilities

Purchases materials, supplies and inventory items following established guidelines and procedures set forth by management. Orders all plant consumables and manages inventory levels. Orders manufacturing repair items and coordinates outside vendor service calls with maintenance team for onsite inspections, scheduled maintenance, and repairs for all equipment, machinery, and campus facilities and structures.

Track backorders, arranges with vendors for delivery and notifies the department manager as to the expected delivery date.

Research vendors and suppliers to ascertain most cost-efficient source of supplies.

Request es for regular and new supplies and services from vendors frequently. Handle negotiations with vendors, as needed or requested by management, regarding price points of supplies.

Complete purchase orders using designated software as required. Performs data entry of purchase orders on computer and logbook as required.

Maintain good housekeeping standards in assigned areas. Performs all duties following established safety procedures and guidelines using assigned safety equipment.

Assist maintenance with all work orders maintenance cost accounting.

Make initial contact with various contractors as directed by plant engineer.

Assist HR with various safety monitoring and tracking; including, but not limited to, Hazardous Waste Management, Annual Crane Inspections and repairs, Dust Collector Monitoring, Forklift Repairs and Inspections, Chain/Sling Audits & Inspections, MSDS, Chemical Inventories, etc.

Coordinate small projects as directed by Plant Engineer.

Assist Accounting Supervisor with month-end consumable reports.

Desired Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience:

High school Diploma or GED in addition to equivalent experience(s) that would facilitate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities

Previous accounting, business, computer training combined with data entry experience or formal training would provide the skill base necessary in order to learn the job

A 2-year associates degree in accounting or business administration would be highly preferable.

At least one year of prior experience in a purchasing role for a manufacturing facility preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $33,800.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance Schedule:
8 hour shift Supplemental Pay:
Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

Rome, GA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

Procurement: 1 year (Preferred)
Purchasing: 1 year Location: One location

Example 8

Acara solution is looking for a Purchasing Agent for our client located in Concord, NH

Issue requests for es and select best source consistent with cost, quality and delivery requirements.
Select suppliers to be placed on the approved vendor list.
Research alternative suppliers for obsolete or long lead time parts.
Evaluate bid responses; negotiate pricing, terms and conditions, and delivery schedules.
Work with suppliers to process rejected material.
Place purchase orders in accordance with Quality Assurance Program, and Praxair policies and procedures.
Expedite and reschedule as necessary to meet MRP requirements.
Maintain item master record accuracy for purchased components, including updated manufacturer part number information, order modifiers, and charge accounts.
Work with financial organization to resolve invoice & payment issues.
Assist engineering, sales, and project management in soliciting and analyzing ations.
Key contact for suppliers and internal customers.
Capture and track negotiated savings.
Provide optimized solutions with analytical details.
Prepare accurate and timely data collection and reporting of Key Performance Indicators.
Monitor supplier performance and take corrective action as necessary.
Manage implementation of engineering changes impacting purchased components.
Engage in process improvement and cost saving projects

Required Skills / Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED
Minimum of 3 years' experience in technical, manufacturing, or logistics field

Preferred Skills / Qualifications:

Minimum of 1 year Procurement experience
Excellent Excel skills.
Highly proficient in ERP systems (Oracle experience preferred).
Analytical and communication skills
Results driven and self-motivated
Positive attitude and customer focus

Job Types: Contract, Temporary

Salary: $16.78 - $21.42 per hour

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Experience:

Procurement: 1 year (Required)
Purchasing: 1 year Location: One location

Example 9

Purchasing Agent

Fruehauf Inc.

Bowling Green, KY

Job Summary:

Works with staff across all departments to identify business requirements. Sources and orders materials, supplies, or services to meet business plans and maintain inventory levels. Selects and maintains excellent communication with suppliers. Enters data into Global Shop Solutions system in an accurate and timely manner by placing and tracking orders.

Knowledge / Experience / Skills

BS/BA degree in business of related field preferred
2+ years working in a manufacturing environment preferred
Understanding of manufacturing planning/scheduling, purchasing and supplier relationships
Analytical skills with attention to detail and focus on data
Effective planning/organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities
Effective interpersonal and communication skills
High integrity, punctual, dedicated and team-oriented
Proficiency in Microsoft products, especially Excel
Knowledge of Global Shop

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

Determine candidate suppliers
Solicit and receive es meeting cost and delivery requirements
Select preferred source
Complete compliance documentation
Route for approval
Place PO and receive acknowledgement
Monitor delivery status and manage PO change orders appropriately
Maintain part and supplier contact formation in the system
Maintain and strengthen relationships with vendors
Communicate with departments regarding needs and changes in purchase requisitions
Oversee inventory levels
Coordinate with accounts payable to ensure timely payment of invoices and/or receipt of credits
Performs other duties as needed

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance Schedule:
Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

Bowling Green, KY 42101: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

purchasing: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

English Location: One location

Example 10

Essential Duties AND Responsibilities

Track backorders, arranges with vendors for delivery and notifies the department manager as to the expected delivery date.

Research vendors and suppliers to ascertain most cost-efficient source of supplies.

Complete purchase orders using designated software as required. Performs data entry of purchase orders on computer and logbook as required.

Assist maintenance with all work orders maintenance cost accounting.

Make initial contact with various contractors as directed by plant engineer.

Coordinate small projects as directed by Plant Engineer.

Assist Accounting Supervisor with month-end consumable reports.

Desired Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience:

High school Diploma or GED in addition to equivalent experience(s) that would facilitate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities

A 2-year associates degree in accounting or business administration would be highly preferable.

At least one year of prior experience in a purchasing role for a manufacturing facility preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $33,800.00 per year

Benefits:

Ability to commute/relocate:

Rome, GA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

Procurement: 1 year (Preferred)
Purchasing: 1 year Location: One location

Example 11

MBI is an AS9120 certified, Small Business that supplies COTS, mil-spec drawings, NSN numbers, and various other commodities to the Defense and Aerospace industry. With the versatility of a wide range of products, this allows your purchases to be consolidated, which makes the order processing more manageable for the customers.

Job Description:

We are currently searching for an mid -senior level surplus Buyer/Purchasing Agent for the procurement of Aerospace Industry Components for our customers (International Aero-Engine and Air Frame manufacturers and sub-contractors.)

The ideal Individual must have knowledge of principles and practices of purchasing, managing and working with vendors, contract laws, and rules and regulations regarding purchased products.

It is very much appreciated the experience in the procurement of counterfeit mitigation for electronic components, connectors, assemblies, displays, electromechanical, testing services, negotiating price and delivery.

We are looking for someone who is open minded, flexible with techniques and merchandise costing/pricing and someone who can negotiate pricing and purchasing terms.

We would like to find someone with distribution and Aerospace industry experience and with strong ERP/MRP Systems knowledge Pentagon 2000, including Microsoft office.

Primary Responsibilities:

Research sourcing for requested materials

Request and negotiate price es and delivery times

Ensure suppliers continuously meet or exceed company expectations

Responsible for acquiring vendor es for conversion to customer es per customer requirements

Responsible for all vendor replies to the RFQ requests

Reviews all purchasing documentation for accuracy

Required Skills and Education:

Experience. in Supply Chain Management, Business, or Engineering preferred.

Must exhibit high level of motivation, organization, attention to detail, energetic approach to job duties and requirements

Must be technically knowledgeable and capable of grasping detailed concepts

Must be a self-starter and multitasker

Must be able to communicate both verbally and through effective writing

Must be able to work cross-functionally with engineering, production & pricing, etc

Strong MS Office skills - Excel, Word,

Understanding of DOD and/or aerospace procurement, ITAR, FAR, DFAR, TINA and other government regulations

Required Experience:

To develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers

To understand the impact of procured materials on manufacturing processes

To expedite supplier solutions for short lead time projects

To expedite late deliveries and achieve long term improvements to supply base on time delivery performance

To establish and document pricing in support of proposals (cost, quality, delivery)

To conduct documented price analysis and to document best value

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday Supplemental Pay:
Bonus pay

Experience:

procurement of electrical and/or aviation components: 1 year (Required)
Purchasing obsolete or surplus components: 1 year Location: One location

Example 12

apply at [website]

We seek the industry's best and brightest talent to join our team. Griffin offers a collaborative work environment, competitive salary, and benefits package including 401k/profit sharing, retirement plan, paid vacation, paid holidays, and more.

Purchasing Buyer Job Summary: Coordinate's activities involved with purchasing product from vendors and/or manufacturers and ensure product availability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Include the following. Other duties may be assigned by management.

Negotiates with vendors to obtain the most accurate product /service information to include: price, availability, and delivery schedule using their experienced judgement.
Prepares purchase orders for various vendors.
Ensure proper products are ordered during vendor yearly buy programs.
Daily review of Prelude to ensure product is available with fill rates.
Researches and recommends product information and programs, allowing for new product introduction to the Business Manager.
Works with Business Managers to create on point marketplace programs.
Maintain updated ETA dates for all open purchase orders.
Review purchase orders for accuracy of product, quantity, price, delivery date, and payment terms.
In a timely manner review received merchandise with Warehouse Associates and respond to vendor invoice discrepancies.
Maintain constant and thorough communication with Operation and Business Managers.
This position requires regular and reliable attendance and adherence to work schedules; this is an in-office position.

The candidate must have the following competencies:

Customer Focus: Candidate must be dedicated to meeting and exceeding the expectations and requirements of our customers. Acts with customer in mind and establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers to gain their trust and respect.
Business Acumen: Candidate must know how businesses work; will learn who the competition is; is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the marketplace.
Resilience: Candidate must be able to recover rapidly from adversity or change; must have the ability to bounce back from difficult situations; have the capacity to make realistic plans and take steps to carry them out; candidate must have confidence in his/her strengths and abilities.
Drive for Results: Can be counted on to meet and exceed goals successfully.
Team Focused: Maintain and build positive relationships with management, customer service team, sales force, customers, and vendors and exhibit a passion for continued success.

Education and/or Experience: A Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Horticulture or Agriculture. Equivalent years of direct customer service experience in a similar role will also be considered.

Communication Skills: Demonstrate self-management skills and effectively communicate work status, issues, risks, problems, and any underlying process problems to the Manager through meetings, status reports, email, or other processes, as prescribed. Must be able to communicate in English clearly and effectively.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Must possess the ability to work with various personalities and maintain good relations with management and other staff members. Must be able to maintain composure during stressful and often changing environments. Must be able to work effectively and calmly with short deadlines and situational conflicts.

Organizational Skills: Must demonstrate the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and problem solve. Strong attention to detail and excellent proof-reading skills.

Attendance/Punctuality: Attendance and punctuality are required. Must arrive at work on time and stay through the entire workday. Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Works extra hours when required. Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.

Computer Skills: Experience with Microsoft Office, Advanced Excel Skills, and Business Operations Computer Systems.

Equal Employment Opportunity: In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Griffin will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is the policy of Griffin not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification under law.

Griffin is EOE/ADA and E-Verify compliant.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

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

Experience:

Procurement: 1 year (Preferred)
Purchasing: 1 year Location: Multiple Locations

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What does a purchasing agent do?

Purchasing agents generally negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, helping companies manage cash flow. They also assess suppliers before accepting their bids, reducing the risk of business disruptions associated with shipping delays or order cancellations. For example, purchasing agents may assess a supplier’s defect rates and on-time delivery metrics to determine whether they’re a good fit.

Purchasing agents may also help keep records related to product performance, which can demonstrate whether a supplier’s offerings meet expectations.

Purchasing agent skills and qualifications

Strong candidates often demonstrate negotiation, organizational and communication skills, which may be important for success in this role. Problem-solving and attention to detail are also valuable competencies that set ideal candidates apart.

Other skills that may be required for the job may include:

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Understanding the flow of goods and services through a business
Ability to negotiate and secure favorable payment terms from vendors
Proficiency in managing budgets and performing cost-benefit analysis (CBA)
Competence in managing vendor contracts
Knowledge of procurement trends, such as sustainability

Purchasing agent experience requirements

If your company follows a skills-first hiring strategy, you may want to prioritize critical thinking, attention to detail and strong communication skills. Candidates can develop these soft skills in related roles.

Consider emphasizing transferable skills in your purchasing agent job descriptions. For example, successful candidates may have negotiation skills from their prior experience as a sales director or inside sales representative.

Purchasing agent education and training requirements

Candidates can typically become purchasing agents without formal education, making this role a good fit for a skills-first hiring approach. Purchasing agents can typically learn the required software on the job, or some candidates may have experienced it in former roles.

If you’re hiring someone to negotiate major contracts, you may search for candidates certified by the American Purchasing Society (APS).

Purchasing agent salary expectations

Compensation for a purchasing agent varies based on experience, company size, location and industry. Find current salary data for purchasing agent roles on Indeed Salaries.

Purchasing agent salary expectations

2026-03-0124000.0066667.86130000.00YEARLY

Common salary: $66,668yearly
Typical salaries range from $24,000 - $130,000yearly
Find more information on [Indeed Salaries](/content/career/Purchasing%20Agent/salaries?co=US "Indeed Salaries"/index.html)

*Indeed data – March 2026

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Purchasing agent FAQs

How does a purchasing agent help an organization control costs?

By negotiating with vendors, purchasing agents may secure discounts and other favorable contract terms. Discounts help reduce the cost of purchasing from a specific vendor, resulting in lower overall costs. Since a purchasing agent monitors supplier performance, they can also help identify quality issues before they impact operations, resulting in potential cost savings.

How can an employer measure the effectiveness of a purchasing agent?

Consider tracking relevant key performance indicators (KPIs), such as cost savings achieved through negotiation, purchase order accuracy and on-time delivery rates. An effective purchasing agent may demonstrate improvement in these metrics over time.

What tools and technologies should a purchasing agent be proficient in using?

It’s common for purchasing agents to use enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. These systems centralize all purchasing activities, including requisitions, purchase order creation and invoice matching. Using ERP software can help a purchasing agent save time and prevent errors.

Purchasing agents also use software for word processing, spreadsheets and other clerical functions. For example, you may want your purchasing agent to use Microsoft Excel for budgeting.

How can a purchasing agent help overcome disruptions in the supply chain?

An effective purchasing agent typically has a list of backup suppliers. If a regular vendor is out of stock or closes their business, the purchasing agent can place an order with the backup supplier. This helps prevent delivery delays and ensures a company can continue operating even if a vendor can’t fill an order.

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What does a purchasing agent do?

Purchasing agent skills and qualifications

Purchasing agent experience requirements

Purchasing agent education and training requirements

Purchasing agent salary expectations

Purchasing agent salary expectations

Job description samples for similar positions

Purchasing agent FAQs

Hire your next Purchasing Agent today.

Job Description Examples