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Purchasing Agent Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 222361123purchasing7.23buyer5.54procurement4.63supply chain3.33purchasing agent2.1512886116240123000.0065515.82128000.00YEARLY632221862025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Agent, or Product Purchasing Agent, finds and purchases products for a company to use or resell. Their duties include locating suppliers, researching goods, services and materials and processing purchasing orders.

222361123purchasing7.23buyer5.54procurement4.63supply chain3.33purchasing agent2.1512886116240123000.0065515.82128000.00YEARLY632221862025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Agent duties and responsibilities

Purchasing Agents work and negotiate with suppliers to purchase goods and services for the company they represent. This role may have the following duties and responsibilities: 

  • Evaluating suppliers by considering price, quality, availability and other criteria
  • Interviewing vendors and visiting suppliers’ facilities to learn about products, services and pricing
  • Negotiating contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain the best deals on behalf of the company
  • Verifying purchases by comparing them to a primary list and recommending alternatives for expensive or irrelevant products
  • Interacting with suppliers to schedule delivery times and resolve shipping errors
  • Authorizing payments and maintain receipts, records and inventories
  • Attend industry trade shows to learn about and stay current on trends and to meet suppliers

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Purchasing Agent Job Description Examples

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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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What does a 222361123purchasing7.23buyer5.54procurement4.63supply chain3.33purchasing agent2.1512886116240123000.0065515.82128000.00YEARLY632221862025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Agent do?

Purchasing Agents are employed by organizations to locate potential products or materials for them to resell or to enhance their daily operations. They’ll typically spend time conducting extensive research on the best suppliers, services, goods, vendors and manufacturers to purchase from. Purchasing Agents will then use this research to find and maintain suppliers who are reliable, cost-efficient and produce quality products.

They’ll regularly monitor the organization’s inventory levels to help them understand their purchasing needs and schedule orders. Purchasing Agents typically work closely with suppliers and vendors to review cost proposals and negotiate prices and contracts. Once they’ve ordered products, Purchasing Agents are responsible for keeping and filing records of these purchase orders, contracts, receipts and transactions.

222361123purchasing7.23buyer5.54procurement4.63supply chain3.33purchasing agent2.1512886116240123000.0065515.82128000.00YEARLY632221862025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Purchasing Agent skills and qualifications

A Purchasing Agent should have the following skills and qualifications to be effective on the job: 

  • Negotiation skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Judgment and decision-making skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills

Purchasing Agent salary expectations

A Purchasing Agent earns an average of $49,865 per year. Salary may depend on the level of experience, education and geographical location. Some Purchasing Agents can earn an average of $10,000 per year through commissions.

Purchasing Agent salary expectations

2025-10-0123000.0065515.82128000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 65515.82 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 23000.00 - 128000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Purchasing Agent education and training requirements

Education requirements for Purchasing Agents vary widely depending on location and organization. Although some employers accept high school diplomas and GEDs, most prefer a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or a related field. Those entering the manufacturing industry often need a bachelor’s and even a master’s degree in engineering. In this circumstance, preference usually goes to those with advanced knowledge within the subject area. Further advancement in the field requires certification from the American Purchasing Society or a related entity.

Purchasing Agent experience requirements

Purchase Agents usually have around 2 to 3 years of experience as an entry-level Buyer before advancing to this position. Individuals earn their experience through internships, work study programs and entry-level positions. Industrial and manufacturing organizations provide plenty of internship opportunities for students. Moving on toward management positions sometimes requires 5 years of experience as a full-time Purchasing Agent. Some organizations may offer additional training as necessary for individuals fulfilling these roles.

Job description samples for similar positions

The role of a Purchasing Agent is versatile, but there are many similar positions. If this job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, see our job descriptions for these related positions:

Job Description Best Practices
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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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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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