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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Mac Properties Purchasing Manager Location(s): Chicago, St. Louis, or Kansas City Mac Properties is a dynamic and growing private residential real estate company with operations in the metropolitan ...

The Purchasing Analyst will be responsible for managing the high level materials management plan and related processes. The person in this position will be the main point of contact for vendors and ...

Purchasing Coordinator

Sedalia, MO ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Purchasing / Inventory Coordinator $20.00 - $24.00/hour Sedalia, MO If you're someone who thrives on organization, keeping things on track, and making sure teams have what they need before they need ...

Purchasing / Inventory Coordinator $20.00 - $24.00/hour Sedalia, MO If you're someone who thrives on organization, keeping things on track, and making sure teams have what they need before they need ...

Purchasing Specialist

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Purchasing Specialist position is all about balance: aligning material availability, production capacity, and inventory levels to keep our operations running smoothly and efficiently. This role ...

Purchasing Specialist

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Purchasing Specialist position is all about balance: aligning material availability, production capacity, and inventory levels to keep our operations running smoothly and efficiently. This role ...

IT Purchasing Coordinator

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$20 - $27/hr

We're hiring an IT Purchasing Coordinator for our Corporate HQ in Columbia, MO and we're looking for someone who's ready to grow with us, bring energy and drive to their work, and help us build the ...

As a Senior Purchasing Manager at Hitachi Energy, you'll lead factory-level purchasing activities that keep production running seamlessly. This is your chance to influence supplier strategies ...

Showing results 41-60

Purchasing Agent information

See Missouri salary details

$28.6K

$50.7K

$78.3K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Missouri is $50,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,300.00 and $56,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Is purchasing a stressful job?

Purchasing agents often face stress due to managing supplier relationships, meeting deadlines, and controlling costs. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to handle pressure, especially in fast-paced or high-stakes environments.

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 specific responsibilities.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Missouri? The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in Missouri? For Purchasing Agent jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Agent jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Agent jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in MO? For Purchasing Agent jobs in MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,683 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Supervisor, Purchasing

Build-A-Bear Retail Management, Inc.

Saint Louis, MO โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

The Supervisor, Purchasing is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing inventory for a broad range of company materials, supplies, and services. This role will execute the sourcing strategy that will ensure Build-A-Bear has the right goods from the right suppliers and at the right costs. This Supervisor, Purchasing is crucial for ensuring Build-A-Bear has the necessary resources to support its corporate, warehouse, and store operations in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Responsibilities:

  • Research and evaluate potential suppliers and service providers to ensure they meet the company’s needs
  • Lead vendor evaluation and selection processes as well as maintain relationships with key vendors
  • Conduct financial analysis for sourcing options, determining the least-cost approach
  • Monitor inventory levels and manage the ordering process for replenishment
  • Process specific requests and manage communication with stores
  • Coordinate with internal departments to procure specialty materials for creative projects
  • Identify sources for required items, create purchase orders, and follow up to ensure timely delivery
  • Manage the distribution of received materials and supplies to stores
  • Update and maintain procurement and activation tracking reports
  • Key order information from the warehouse for distribution to stores
  • Execute the sourcing strategy while managing costs

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field
  • 2-4 years experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams & SharePoint
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills
  • Solid verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Supply Chain or Purchasing Certification

Behavioral Traits for Success:

  • An analytical, inquiring, and critical mind that solves complex problems
  • Can consider all related facts and potential issues
  • Intellectual confidence
  • Able to weigh all decisions carefully and thoroughly, based on expertise to avoid risk
  • The ability to deal with abstract concepts, systems, and ideas
  • Organized self-disciplined approach to producing timely results that are high quality and accurate

Working Environment:

  • Typical office environment with climate control and sufficient lighting, ergonomic desk/chairs
  • Hybrid work schedule
  • Lifting > 25 lbs.

Your Performance Will Be Measured On:

Your performance will be measured by your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following:

  • Time management and planning
  • Communication and negotiations
  • Decision-making, judgment, and execution
  • Development of others
  • Inventory integrity
  • Budget planning and tracking
  • Achievement of assigned goals
  • Use of tools, processes, and systems
  • Stakeholder feedback