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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

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PURCHASING SPECIALIST

Auburn, AL · On-site

$56K - $62K/yr

PURCHASING SPECIALIST (Must speak Korean) AUBURN/OPELIKA, AL SUMMARY: This position is responsible for implementing the Head of Departments direction of activities of all personnel assigned to the ...

Cesna Group

Purchasing Specialist

Cusseta, AL · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Job Summary * MAJOR FUNCTION: * 1. Manage LP Team leader and LP team members * 2. Check and update inventory periodically to maximize assembly line productivity * 3. Prepare and send POs on time to ...

Kemper

Licensed Insurance Agent

Talbotton, GA

... 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

Licensed Insurance Agent

Pine Mountain, GA

... 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

Licensed Insurance Agent

Columbus, GA

... 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

Licensed Insurance Agent

Phenix City, AL

... 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.

Faith Technologies

Procurement Agent II

Opelika, AL · On-site

The Procurement Agent II is responsible for providing Procurement support from quotation to ... Experience: 2- 5 years of Purchasing/Buying experience in electrical industry or other relevant ...

Kemper

Insurance Agent Trainee

Columbus, GA

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 ...

Kemper

Insurance Agent Trainee

Phenix City, AL

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 ...

Kemper

Insurance Agent Trainee

Pine Mountain, GA

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 ...

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All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsPurchasing Agent Jobs in Columbus, GA

Purchasing Agent information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$27.3K

$48.4K

$74.7K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Columbus, GA is $48,366.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $53,700.00 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.
More about Purchasing Agent jobs
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in Columbus, GA? For Purchasing Agent jobs in Columbus, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Agent jobs in Columbus, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Agent jobs in Columbus, GA are:
What cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs? Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:
Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,366 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Buyer G118 Purchasing

Columbus Consolidated Government

Columbus, GA • On-site

$19.18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Salary: $19.18 Hourly
Location : Columbus, GA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-00000426
Department: Finance
Division: Purchasing Division
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Major Duties and Responsibilities
This position is responsible for administering the solicitation processes for purchases of capital goods and services. An incumbent in this position may be designated "Senior Buyer."
  • Coordinates bid/RFP/PQ process to procure various contracts; consults with departments concerning commodity needs and specifications; receives and reviews requisitions; researches and prepares specifications; assembles vendor lists by commodity; prepares bid schedules and sets bid dates; prepares legal advertisements; opens, reviews, and processes bids.
  • Coordinates purchasing items for inclusion on City Council agenda.
  • Coordinates pre-solicitation conferences/site visits and bid openings; chairs and co-chairs evaluation committee meetings.
  • Acts as liaison between departments and vendors in regards to complaints related to annual contracts.
  • Prepares and routes contract documents for signatures of contractors, City Attorney, City Manager and Clerk of Council; distributes signed contracts and sets up Master Agreement for end-user departments to process applicable purchasing document.
  • Records bid prices and statements of "No Bids" for each vendor in the Financial system; processes computerized tabulations and submits for posting on the city website for vendor review.
  • Assists end-users in entering and researching various purchase documents and vendor information in the Financial system; assists in training end-users.
  • Verifies vendor 1099 information and requests reports from Information Technology; processes vendor 1099s; sends 1099 reports to Internal Revenue Service.
  • Creates, organizes, and maintains specifications reference library.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of public purchasing, bidding procedures, and contract negotiations.
  • Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, local ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
  • Skill in utilizing financial computer software programs.
  • Skill in problem solving and decision making.
  • Skill in financial and contract negotiations.
  • Skill in gathering and analyzing complex data.
  • Skill in operating standard office equipment.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.

Minimum Educational and Training Requirements
Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
Physical Requirements
The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table. The employee must occasionally lift light objects.
  • Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
  • Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
  • Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
  • Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
  • Hearing 2 - receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.
  • Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
  • Manual Dexterity - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
  • Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
  • Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
  • Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
  • Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.
  • Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
  • Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
  • Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
The work is typically performed in an office, library, or computer room.
The Columbus Consolidated Government is proud to offer an exceptional compensation and benefits package. Benefits include the following:
  • Low-cost Medical Insurance
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • Credit Union
  • Direct Deposit
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Vacation Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • PERK Time Off
  • Retirement Plan
  • Supplemental Retirement Plan
  • Free and Discounted Services
  • Employee Assistance Program

Take advantage of these free and discounted City Services offered to all City Employees.
  • Discounted Movie Tickets
  • Free Notary Services
  • Ride a Metra Bus for Free
  • Free Mulch
  • Free Fire/Safety Home Inspection
  • Driver's Training for Employee Dependents
  • Oxbow/Bull Creek Golf Course discounts
  • River Center Discounts
  • Cell Phone Carrier Discounts

Retirement Plan
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers a defined benefit retirement plan to eligible employees who work in General Government and in Public Safety. Employees in the pension plan must meet both age and years of service requirements to qualify for retirement. The current vesting period is ten years, and the current pension contribution rate is 8% of your gross salary.
Supplemental Retirement Plan
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers a Deferred Compensation Plan or supplemental retirement plan that is tax deferred. This plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary, before federal and state taxes, to a retirement account. Your compensation is more than a paycheck, it allows you to plan for your financial future as well.
01
Which best describes your level of education? (You will be asked to provide documentation)
  • No High School Diploma
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Technical College
  • Some College
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate's Degree

02
Please list and explain any work experience you have with the principles and practices of public Purchasing, federal and state Purchasing laws, and local Purchasing ordinances.
03
Please list and explain any work experience you have in utilizing financial computer software programs.
04
Please list and explain any work experience you have with Governmental Purchasing.
05
On a scale of 1 - 10, rate your writing and grammar skills.
06
Please list and explain any work experience you have had with coordinating/administering a Bid or Request for Proposal process for the purchase of goods or services.
07
Please list and explain any work experience you have with writing bid specifications?
08
How many years of work experience do you have in Governmental Purchasing?
  • None
  • 0-1 Year
  • 1-3 Years
  • 3-5 Years
  • 5 Years or More

Required Question

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