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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Under the direction of the VP - Finance and Administration, the Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the purchasing function, supporting manufacturing operations, and driving strategic ...

The role of the Purchasing Manager is to purchase castings, components, and materials to support the efficient workflow of the company. Collaborates with other departments and leadership to identify ...

Purchasing Assistant

Pleasant Prairie, WI · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Purchasing Assistant Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services ...

Purchasing Associate R46220 The Purchasing Associate role is an entry level position that supports the purchasing and supply chain department areas of responsibility. It is primarily focused on ...

Under the direction of the VP - Finance and Administration, the Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the purchasing function, supporting manufacturing operations, and driving strategic ...

Purchasing Associate

Appleton, WI · On-site

$51K - $79K/yr

Purchasing Associate R46220 The Purchasing Associate role is an entry level position that supports the purchasing and supply chain department areas of responsibility. It is primarily focused on ...

Purchasing Associate

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$51K - $79K/yr

The Purchasing Associate role is an entry level position that supports the purchasing and supply chain department areas of responsibility. It is primarily focused on coordinating purchasing ...

As a Purchasing Assistant, you are responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical tasks that facilitate the effective operation of the purchasing department. Overall Responsibilities: • ...

Purchasing Assistant

Sturtevant, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Seda is looking for a Purchasing Assistant to join our growing team! This person will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of purchases and tracking invoices to ensure proper accounting ...

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Purchasing Agent information

See Wisconsin salary details

$30.8K

$54.5K

$84.3K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Wisconsin is $54,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $60,600.00 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.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Purchasing Agent can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month with experience and strong negotiation skills, especially in high-volume or specialized industries. Success in this role often depends on industry knowledge, networking, and the ability to manage large procurement budgets, rather than formal education requirements.

What is the work of a purchasing agent?

A purchasing agent is responsible for buying goods and services for an organization, negotiating prices and contracts with suppliers, and ensuring timely delivery. They analyze market trends, maintain supplier relationships, and often use procurement software to manage purchasing activities.

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, materials, and services for organizations to ensure they have the necessary resources for their operations. They research suppliers, negotiate contracts, and evaluate product quality and prices to obtain the best value. Purchasing Agents also maintain records, monitor inventory levels, and ensure timely delivery of goods. Their role is crucial in controlling costs and supporting the organization's supply chain.

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 include senior procurement directors or chief procurement officers, especially in large corporations, where compensation can reach this level with bonuses and stock options. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills.

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 Wisconsin? The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in Wisconsin? For Purchasing Agent jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in WI? For Purchasing Agent jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,539 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Main Duties

  • Implement the Group’s Purchasing strategies
    • Propose and implement action plans required to ensure compliance with Purchasing strategies
    • Suggest ways to optimize costs within the framework of the defined Purchasing strategy
    • Suggest ways to improve technical productivity at his/her site
    • Take part in defining the annual productivity objectives for his/her activity
    • Make the decisions required to optimize his/her results
    • Work to continuously improve Purchasing activity 
  • Manage purchases for his/her site(s)
    • Negotiate purchases with suppliers (production and non-production)
    • Help to reduce stock and to improve supplier payment terms
    • Prevent and handle supplier disputes
    • Ensure compliance with regulations in force
    • Manage updates or update purchasing prices for listed items
    • Help to monitor quality objectives to be reached by suppliers; Monitor and implement associated action plans
    • Play a proactive role in all site-related negotiations (quality, cost, deadline, services)
  • Help to continuously improve the purchasing activity
    • Compile required reports to meet deadlines
    • Pass on information required for their activity to buyers, supplier quality representatives, specifiers, and internal customers
    • Capitalize on information obtained within the framework of his/her activity, prepare feedback, and make this information available to other employees
  • Help to achieve purchasing productivity
    • In liaison with commodity buyers, develop productivity schedules
    • Monitor purchasing productivity schedules for his/her site
    • Propose the assignment of series markets to the Sourcing Committee

 

Responsibilities in terms of Quality, Safety, Environmental Progress

  • Use and follow processes, instruction sheets and appendices and propose improvements.
  • Integrate legal, accounting and fiscal requirements and internal safety prevention/protection and environmental rules into his/her purchasing role and ensure compliance with these rules.

 

Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business or Engineering preferred
  • Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
    • SAP experience is preferred
    • Automotive experience preferred with basic technical understanding of injection molded components
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office with specific expertise in Outlook, Excel and Project
    • High level of analytical ability to deal with unusual and complex issues
    • Basic accounting or finance skills to read and interpret components of an income statement
    • Cost breakdown analysis
    • Must be able to conduct negotiations with suppliers as well as internal customers to deliver the goals and objectives of the organization
    • Functional expertise in MRP database systems
    • Excellent communication skills (presentation, written, verbal) of both technical and non-technical
    • Demonstrated ability to build bridges between different functional areas, resolve conflict, and help internal teams understand needs of other groups, while developing collaborative solutions and ensuring deadlines are met