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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

SEACORP

Purchasing Agent

Middletown, RI · On-site

SEACORP is hiring a Purchasing Agent to execute procurement of all materials and equipment necessary for supporting on-site defense contracting tasks. Performs diversified buying duties which include ...

SEACORP

Purchasing Agent

Middletown, RI

SEACORP is hiring a Purchasing Agent to execute procurement of all materials and equipment necessary for supporting on-site defense contracting tasks. Performs diversified buying duties which include ...

AstroNova, Inc.

Manager - Purchasing

West Warwick, RI · On-site

Position Summary/Objective The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading day-to-day purchasing and supplier management activities to support AstroNova's manufacturing operations in West Warwick.

Manufacturing Inc

Purchasing Buyer

South Kingstown, RI · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

We're looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Buyer/Purchaser to join our team. In this role, you'll be responsible for acquiring goods and services essential to our operations, managing supplier ...

Greystone of Lincoln

Purchasing Manager

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Our company is seeking a dynamic and experienced Purchasing and Raw Material Manager to oversee our procurement activities and manage essential raw materials for our manufacturing operations. In this ...

Greystone of Lincoln

Purchasing Manager

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Our company is seeking a dynamic and experienced Purchasing and Raw Material Manager to oversee our procurement activities and manage essential raw materials for our manufacturing operations. In this ...

Marriott

Purchasing Manager

Newport, RI · On-site

Assists Executive Chef in all aspects of purchasing (e.g., Food, Beverage and Controllable) to ensure quality and profitability. Orders all food and beverage based on business needs. Assists ...

Marriott International

Purchasing Manager

Newport, RI · On-site

$29.53 - $42.79/hr

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES Hands on, Managing Work, Projects, Policies, and Standards for Purchasing Across Departments • Supports generating and providing accurate and timely results in the form of ...

Barentz

Purchasing Specialist

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for the planning and purchasing of materials and products to support production schedules, sales forecasting, and inventory schedules as well as the transfer ...

PLACE

Real Estate Agent

Wakefield, RI · On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Stock Purchase Program with Company Match Secure your financial future with our stock purchase plan ... Our proven 86-Day Agent Launch equips agents with the skills, systems, and structure needed to ...

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All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsPurchasing Agent Jobs in Rhode Island

Purchasing Agent information

See Rhode Island salary details

$29.9K

$52.9K

$81.8K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Rhode Island is $52,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $58,800.00 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 job requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and workload can vary depending on industry and company size. Effective communication and negotiation skills help mitigate stress in this role.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Purchasing agents can earn around $3,000 or more per month, especially with experience and strong negotiation skills, often without requiring a college degree. Other roles such as sales representatives, commercial drivers, or certain skilled trades may also reach this income level through certifications and on-the-job training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Purchasing Agent, and why are they important?

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 does a purchasing agent do?

A purchasing agent is responsible for buying goods and services for an organization, negotiating prices, and ensuring timely delivery. They analyze supplier options, manage purchase orders, and maintain relationships with vendors to secure the best terms. Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of supply chain management are essential in this role.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Purchasing agents typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying procurement roles may exist in large corporations or industries like oil and gas, but they are rare and often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

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.
More about Purchasing Agent jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in Rhode Island? For Purchasing Agent jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Agent jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Agent jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in RI? For Purchasing Agent jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,915 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Purchasing Agent

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Providence, RI

$46K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

This Purchasing Agent position is within the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids department at the VA Providence Healthcare System located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is permanent and full-time at 40 hours per week.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/27/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. Candidates may be advanced without time restriction to positions up to GS-5 if the position to be filled is no more than two grades above the lowest grade the employee held within the preceding 52 weeks under his or her latest non-temporary competitive appointment. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
You must qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
GS-5 Grade Requirements:
  • Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-04) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the position and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties as Purchasing Agent. Qualifying specialized experience includes performing administrative duties in a healthcare setting; reviewing and working with patients' medical records; completing training or assisting in routine and complex specialized purchases for clinics including medical equipment, prosthetic and orthotic appliances; utilizing computer software programs; and communicating with internal and external customers via various methods.
OR,
  • Education: Possess the successfully completed four (4) years above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college, or university. (Transcripts required)
OR,
  • Combination of Experience and Education: Possess the equivalent combinations of successfully completed post -high school education beyond two (2) years and specialized experience as described above that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this Purchasing Agent position. (Transcripts required)
GS-6 Grade Requirements:
  • Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the position and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties as Purchasing Agent. Qualifying specialized experience includes interpreting prescriptions and requests for medical equipment and services; maintaining regular contact with vendors, contractors, medical center professionals and staff ; utilizing a variety of databases and computer systems; purchasing equipment, supplies and services using an agency/organization purchase card; and reconciling charges and preparing and submitting reports.
Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary when conducting purchasing functions for PSAS. However, while conducting inventory management functions, the incumbent may work comfortably in a warehouse environment, sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, retrieving and managing inventory. Prolonged periods of working at a computer terminal is required. Ability to retrieve equipment from a storage room is required. Climbing associated with stocking of equipment and other items in storage areas is necessary. Incumbent may carry/lift items weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Normal safety precautions are adequate. The work involves moderate discomfort when visiting sites away from the office. At times, the employee may be required to wear protective clothing when visiting the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Fabrication Laboratory. There may be frequent walks between the main medical center and other parts of Prosthetics to conduct professional duties.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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