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Entry Level Purchasing Agent Jobs in Pennsylvania

Qualifications ENTRY LEVEL JOB FRESH OUT OF COLLEGE Buyer II $18.79/hr on w2 03/13/2017 to 03/09 ... The main tasks would be to turn Purchase Requisitions into orders, to follow up and expedite.

Entry Level Purchasing Agent information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$30.6K

$54.2K

$83.7K

How much do entry level purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level purchasing agent in Pennsylvania is $54,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,100.00 and $60,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level purchasing agents, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level purchasing agents often encounter challenges like managing supplier relationships, balancing cost with quality, and navigating unfamiliar procurement systems. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the fast pace and the need to quickly learn company-specific processes. Building strong communication skills and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can help, as can staying organized and proactive in addressing potential supply chain issues. Over time, these experiences provide valuable learning opportunities and lay the foundation for advancement within the procurement field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Purchasing Agent vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Purchasing AgentPurchasing Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate's degreeHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate's or bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, procurement departmentsOffice environment, procurement and supply chain teams
Employer & Industry UsageRetail, manufacturing, logisticsCorporate procurement, manufacturing, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Purchasing Agent and a Purchasing Coordinator lies in their job scope and responsibilities. Entry Level Purchasing Agents focus on basic procurement tasks, supplier communication, and order processing, often requiring minimal experience. Purchasing Coordinators typically handle more administrative and coordination duties within procurement teams, sometimes overseeing order tracking and documentation. Both roles are essential in supply chain operations and share similar educational backgrounds, but Purchasing Coordinators may have slightly broader administrative responsibilities.

What does an entry level purchasing agent do?

An Entry Level Purchasing Agent is responsible for assisting with the procurement of goods and services for a company. Their tasks typically include researching suppliers, obtaining quotes, placing orders, and maintaining records of purchases. They work closely with vendors and internal departments to ensure that materials are delivered on time and within budget. This role is ideal for those looking to start a career in supply chain or procurement, as it offers valuable exposure to purchasing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level purchasing agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Purchasing Agent, you need a solid understanding of procurement processes, attention to detail, and typically a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel is often required, and some roles may prefer candidates with APICS or CPSM certifications. Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills help you build relationships with vendors and manage multiple tasks efficiently. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring cost-effective purchasing, accurate order processing, and smooth supply chain operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Entry Level Purchasing Agent jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Entry Level Purchasing Agent job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Purchasing Agent job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,163 per year, or $26 per hour.

Buyer II / Purchasing Agent

BCforward

Pittsburgh, PA

$18.79/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Company Description

BCforward began as an IT business solutions and staffing firm. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers' needs into a full service personnel solutions organization. BCforward's headquarters are in Indianapolis, Indiana and also operates delivery centers in 20 locations in North America as well as India and Puerto Rico. We are currently the largest consulting firm and largest MBE certified firm headquartered in Indiana. 

Qualifications

ENTRY LEVEL JOB FRESH OUT OF COLLEGE

Buyer II
$18.79/hr on w2
03/13/2017 to 03/09/2018
Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15238
Manager would like to hire candidates fresh out of college
Associates degree with 1-2 years direct working experience or bachelor's degree required (new graduates encouraged) Business degree or equal equivalent.
Performs a variety of activities and duties involved with procuring materials, equipment, parts, supplies and services in the most efficient manner. The main tasks would be to turn Purchase Requisitions into orders, to follow up and expedite.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
.Receives and reviews requisitions generated by the Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) System and internal employees
.Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information such as delivery schedule.
.Negotiates delivery for parts, equipment, service and supplies
.Prepares and issues purchase order according to requirements
.Tracks and expedites orders for delivery of goods. Advises sales and production departments of delivery status
.Maintains manual and computerized procurement records via the MRP system regarding items or services purchased delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories
.Utilizes SAP to review and confirm demand
.Schedules product purchases and deliveries. Reschedules deliveries when necessary according to customer requirements
.Other duties may be assigned by management to meet business needs
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
. Associates degree with 1-2 years direct working experience or bachelor's degree required (new graduates encouraged)
.Knowledge and familiarity with MS Excel
.Familiarity with MS Office products
.Demonstrates a high degree of personal, professional ethics and integrity
.Requires self-direction, tact, diplomacy, courteous and professional manners when dealing with internal and external customers
.Ability to prioritize workload and shift work activities in order to meet business needs and department goals, essential
. Ability to make recommendations regarding job methods and departmental procedures.
.Must be able to independently arrange and organize work efforts on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis. Must be able to meet tight deadlines. Ability to multi-task on a consistent basis
.Ability to work independently, collectively within a team environment and be self-motivated in work habits
.Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference as they relate to understanding business forecasts and scheduling inventory purchases.
Capable of applying concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations involved with the procurement of materials, such as determining the best planning inventory levels
Sandra Taylor
571-267-4186

Additional Information

Sandra Taylor

571-267-4186


BCforward logo

About BCforward

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BCforward began as an IT business solutions and staffing firm. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers' needs into a full service personnel solutions organization. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, BCforward also operates numerous delivery centers across North America and India. We are currently the largest consulting firm and largest MBE certified firm in Indiana. Our uninterrupted growth has allowed BCforward to deliver uniquely configured IT staffing and project solutions for over years of catering to our customers' specific needs. BCforward currently maintains a team of over 5000 global resources. With our additional brand, Stafforward, together we have the capabilities to deliver services for a variety of industries in both public and private sectors which allows us to address your most challenging needs.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1998

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