ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Purchasing Agent Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Forest River

Purchasing Agent

Middlebury, IN · On-site

Forest River, Inc., the Nation's largest manufacturer of Recreational Vehicles, Cargo Trailers, Transit Buses and Boats has an immediate opening. Responsibilities * Posting & Finalizing of Parts ...

New

CDR General Services LLC

Purchasing Manager

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$52K - $80K/yr

Manage and oversee the Assistant Purchasing Agent. * Prepare and process purchase orders, bids, and purchasing documentation. * Monitor product demand and forecast future purchasing needs. * Develop ...

UFP Industries

Purchasing

Elkhart, IN · On-site

Job Summary A Buyer is responsible for effectively sourcing and procuring wood products and related products, in conjunction with other buyers, other purchasing departments, plant management ...

New

UFP Industries, Inc.

Purchasing

Elkhart, IN · On-site

Job Summary A Buyer is responsible for effectively sourcing and procuring wood products and related products, in conjunction with other buyers, other purchasing departments, plant management ...

New

Workbox Staffing

Purchasing Manager

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$52K - $80K/yr

Qualifications: * 5+ years of purchasing experience as a Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Officer, Buyer, or similar role * High school diploma or GED required * Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain ...

Valeo

Indirect Purchasing Buyer- MRO

Seymour, IN · On-site

Indirect Purchasing index Specific * Dematerialization * Catalog usage Ratio * QCD indicators * Auctions * Sourcing Committee (SoCo) What You Should Have: * You should have a Bachelor's Degree in ...

T&B Tube

Steel Procurer

Gary, IN · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Ready to put your purchasing, supply chain, and problem-solving skills to work? We're looking for a Steel Procurer who can keep materials moving, suppliers accountable, and production running ...

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation

Buyer I

Newburgh, IN · On-site

The Purchasing Agent I is responsible for adhering to standard purchasing practices in the procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with quality processes for items including ...

EMCOR Group Inc

Havel

Indianapolis, IN

$79K - $103K/yr

Develops multiple relationships with buying influences within the customer's organization which may include the facility manager, project managers, or purchasing agent * Successfully maintains an ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsPurchasing Agent Jobs in Indiana

Purchasing Agent information

See Indiana salary details

$29K

$51.4K

$79.5K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Indiana is $51,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,900.00 and $57,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a purchasing agent?

Purchasing agents buy goods and services for a company to use or resell. As a purchasing agent, you research products, pricing, and suppliers for items your company needs or wants to sell. Your job duties as a purchasing agent include attending trade shows and sales pitches, evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, arranging deliveries, and maintaining records of product pricing, performance, and inventory.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a purchasing agent?

To thrive as a Purchasing Agent, you need strong negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills, typically supported by a degree in business or supply chain management. Proficiency with procurement software, ERP systems like SAP, and familiarity with inventory management tools is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions, maintaining supplier relationships, and supporting smooth business operations.

What are some common challenges purchasing agents face when negotiating with suppliers?

Purchasing Agents often encounter challenges such as fluctuating market prices, limited supplier options, and tight deadlines when negotiating contracts. Balancing cost savings with quality requirements and maintaining positive supplier relationships can be difficult, especially in fast-paced industries. To overcome these challenges, successful Purchasing Agents stay informed about market trends, develop strong communication skills, and frequently collaborate with internal teams like inventory management and finance to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Purchasing Agent vs Buyer?

AspectPurchasing AgentBuyer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications like CPSMHigh school diploma; certifications like C.P.M. can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often within procurement or supply chain departmentsOffice environment, working closely with suppliers and internal teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, retail, and logistics sectorsWidely used across retail, manufacturing, and wholesale industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding procurement roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsComparing purchasing and buying roles, career paths, and job duties

The main difference between a Purchasing Agent and a Buyer lies in their scope and responsibilities. Purchasing Agents often handle broader procurement strategies and supplier negotiations, while Buyers focus on selecting and purchasing specific goods or services. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, and they are frequently used interchangeably depending on the industry.

Is a purchasing agent a hard job?

A purchasing agent's job involves negotiating with suppliers, managing inventory, and ensuring timely procurement of goods, which can be demanding due to deadlines and the need for attention to detail. The role requires strong communication skills, organization, and knowledge of supply chain processes, but the difficulty varies depending on the industry and complexity of the purchasing tasks.

Is purchasing a stressful job?

Purchasing agents often face stress due to tight deadlines, budget constraints, and the need to negotiate favorable terms. The role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage supplier relationships and ensure timely procurement, which can contribute to work-related pressure.
More about Purchasing Agent jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in Indiana?

For Purchasing Agent jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Purchasing Agent jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing Agent jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in IN?

For Purchasing Agent jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,416 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Purchasing Agent - Portage, IN

Portage, IN • On-site

Scrap Metal Services, LLC
Environmental Consulting Services • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Scrap Metal Services, LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Purchasing Agent - Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
SMS Mill Services, LLC is a leader in the steel mill services industry prioritizing recycling and environmental/worker' safety and handling all operations with integrity. SMS Corporate is seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented and analytical Purchasing Agent - Strategic Sourcing & Procurement. This role is an important member of the procurement team responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier identification and development, competitive bidding, cost analysis, contract negotiation, spend analysis, and day-to-day purchasing activities.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience sourcing products and services within a heavy industrial, manufacturing, steel, construction, or similar operating environment. This individual must be comfortable analyzing large amounts of purchasing and supplier data and using advanced Microsoft Excel functions to identify cost-saving opportunities, evaluate supplier performance, compare bids, and support procurement decisions.
This position requires someone who can move beyond simply processing purchase orders and actively find better suppliers, negotiate improved pricing and terms, consolidate spend, reduce total cost, and improve the company's overall supply base.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
  • Lead end-to-end sourcing activities for assigned categories, including lubricants, fuel, industrial gases, PPE, equipment parts, maintenance supplies, operational services, and other industrial products.
  • Research, identify, qualify, and develop new suppliers and alternative sources of supply.
  • Conduct supplier market research to identify competitive pricing, emerging suppliers, product alternatives, and sourcing opportunities.
  • Develop and issue RFQs, RFPs, and competitive bid packages and manage the bidding process from solicitation through supplier selection.
  • Negotiate pricing, volume discounts, rebates, payment terms, freight terms, service levels, and other commercial conditions.
  • Maintain strong supplier relationships while holding vendors accountable for pricing, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and contractual obligations.

Purchasing & Procurement
  • Support day-to-day purchasing requirements for operations and ensure materials and services are available when needed.
  • Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier, pricing, and contract records.

Cost Savings & Spend Analysis
  • Analyze historical purchasing data to identify cost-reduction and sourcing opportunities.
  • Track and document negotiated savings, cost avoidance, rebates, supplier consolidation savings, and other procurement improvements.
  • Perform Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis rather than evaluating suppliers solely on purchase price.
  • Analyze purchasing patterns by supplier, category, location, commodity, and time period.

Contracts & Negotiations
  • Track supplier contracts, expiration dates, pricing agreements, and renewal periods.
  • Proactively initiate sourcing and negotiation activities prior to contract expiration.
  • Ensure suppliers adhere to negotiated pricing, terms, service levels, and other contractual requirements.
  • Partner with leadership and other departments when evaluating significant supplier agreements.

Advanced Excel & Data Analysis Requirements
This position requires strong to advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Candidates should be able to independently analyze purchasing and supplier data without relying on prebuilt reports.
  • PivotTables and PivotCharts
  • XLOOKUP and/or VLOOKUP
  • SUMIF/SUMIFS and COUNTIF/COUNTIFS
  • Sorting, filtering, and advanced data manipulation
  • Removing duplicates and cleaning large datasets
  • Comparing data across multiple worksheets/files
  • Creating supplier and pricing comparison models
  • Building spend-analysis reports
  • Identifying purchasing trends and exceptions
  • Creating charts, dashboards, and management-ready summaries

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, contract management, or supplier/vendor management.
  • Strong preference for experience within heavy industrial, manufacturing, steel, metals, construction, equipment, or similar environments.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting competitive sourcing and supplier negotiations.
  • Proven ability to identify and execute measurable cost-saving opportunities.
  • Strong understanding of RFQ/RFP processes, supplier evaluation, contract negotiations, and Total Cost of Ownership.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and data-analysis skills.
  • Experience working with ERP, purchasing, inventory, or procurement systems.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple sourcing projects and operational priorities simultaneously.
  • Comfortable working directly with suppliers as well as employees and leadership at all levels of the organization.
  • Highly organized with a structured, detail-oriented approach to completing work.
  • Experience supporting procurement across multiple facilities or operating locations is also highly desirable.

What we can Offer:
  • A comprehensive compensation package to commensurate with experience including bonuses
  • Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, company-paid life insurance, etc. eligible on day 1!
  • 401(k) with 4% matching, 100% vested as of first contribution
  • Paid holidays, 4 weeks paid vacation
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
  • Opportunity to help drive operational improvements and team success
  • Opportunity to grow within operational organization

SMS Mill Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SMS Mill Services, LLC makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Apply