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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD PURCHASING SPECIALIST

Charleston, SC · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Job Summary Purchasing Specialist - Morrison Healthcare Charleston, SC | $60,000-$70,000 Morrison Healthcare is hiring a Purchasing Specialist to support our food and nutrition operations in ...

Compass Group

FOOD PURCHASING SPECIALIST

Charleston, SC · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Job Summary Purchasing Specialist - Morrison Healthcare Charleston, SC | $60,000-$70,000 Morrison Healthcare is hiring a Purchasing Specialist to support our food and nutrition operations in ...

Compass Group

FOOD PURCHASING SPECIALIST

Charleston, SC · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Job Summary Purchasing Specialist - Morrison Healthcare Charleston, SC | $60,000-$70,000 Morrison Healthcare is hiring a Purchasing Specialist to support our food and nutrition operations in ...

Expeditors

Customs Brokerage Agent

Hanahan, SC · On-site

Customs Brokerage Agent - Drive Global Trade Your Role: You'll play a crucial role in ensuring the ... Employee Stock Purchase Plan, providing an opportunity for ownership. * Ongoing training and ...

Kemper

Licensed Insurance Agent

Charleston, SC · On-site

... Purchase Program Great work-life balance. Benefit from autonomy in managing your customer visits ... The Licensed Agent Bonus Program is not available to rehires or agents with temporary licenses.

Kemper

Insurance Agent Trainee

Charleston, SC · On-site

Life Insurance Sales Agent Employment Type: Full-Time with Benefits Work Arrangement: Field Role ... Employee Stock Purchase Program Responsibilities Agents are set up for success by being assigned a ...

GFT.

Right of Way Agent

Charleston, SC · On-site

$66K - $95K/yr

The Right of Way Agent will play a pivotal role in supporting public and private projects through ... easement purchases, dedication/donation, and condemnation, working with property owners ...

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All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsPurchasing Agent Jobs in Charleston, SC

Purchasing Agent information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$28.5K

$50.6K

$78.1K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Charleston, SC is $50,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $56,100.00 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.
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What job categories do people searching Purchasing Agent jobs in Charleston, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing Agent jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:

Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,565 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Purchasing Agent - Fasteners

Warren Fastenings South

North Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Company Overview & Job Summary

We are a well-established, family-owned leader in industrial distribution specializing in high-quality fasteners and custom supply chain solutions. We are seeking a sharp, proactive Purchasing Agent with expertise in fasteners and global importing to optimize our procurement strategy. In this role, you will build strong vendor relationships, negotiate international sourcing, manage import logistics, and balance inventory with sales forecasts to ensure our supply chain runs seamlessly.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Vendor & Supply Chain Management: Research, evaluate, and compare products and pricing from various domestic and international vendors. Cultivate strong, long-term vendor relationships to ensure high-quality product sourcing and competitive pricing.
  • Importing & Logistics Management: Oversee overseas procurement, customs clearance procedures, tariff tracking, container bookings, and international freight logistics to ensure timely import of goods.
  • Inventory Control & Expediting: Monitor current inventory levels, generate purchase orders, and track shipments from origin to warehouse delivery. Proactively expedite delayed orders to prevent stockouts and support sales demand.
  • Financial & Compliance Oversight: Authorize supplier invoices, match POs with receiving documentation, and forward invoices through accounts payable while ensuring compliance with established vendor agreements.
  • Demand Forecasting: Utilize sales trend analysis and inventory reports to forecast future purchasing needs, optimizing stock levels to balance availability with holding costs.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with sales, customer service, and warehouse teams to address stock inquiries, resolve vendor discrepancies, and align purchasing with customer demand (including custom kitting or Vendor Managed Inventory programs).

Requirements and Qualifications

Experience: 3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience within the industrial supply, fastener, hardware, or distribution sector. Proven experience with international sourcing and overseas importing processes is required.

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and industry experience).
  • Technical Proficiency: Experience with ERP/MRP inventory management systems and standard office productivity software (Microsoft Excel/Word/Outlook or Google Workspace).
  • Analytical & Forecasting Skills: Strong aptitude for data analysis, inventory control, and sales forecasting to effectively balance supply and demand.
  • Communication & Negotiation: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities with strong negotiation skills for dealing with global suppliers, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Detail-Oriented & Organized: High level of accuracy in handling POs, tariff codes, customs documentation, invoice matching, and tracking international supply chains.

What We Offer

We value hard work and offer a supportive, relationship-driven culture alongside a comprehensive benefits program:

  • Competitive starting salary commensurate with experience.
  • Medical insurance with 50% company contribution (with the option to add dental and vision).
  • Life and AD&D Insurance.
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability.
  • Simple IRA with a company match.
  • Company performance bonus opportunities.