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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Dothan, AL (NOW HIRING)

The Purchasing Leader has an important role in the Procurement Organization with the responsibility for the sourcing of equipment, goods, and services while reducing cost and ensuring on time ...

The Purchasing Leader has an important role in the Procurement Organization with the responsibility for the sourcing of equipment, goods, and services while reducing cost and ensuring on time ...

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Purchasing Agent information

See Dothan, AL salary details

$27.7K

$49.1K

$75.9K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Dothan, AL is $49,121.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $54,500.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in Dothan, AL?

For Purchasing Agent jobs in Dothan, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Dothan, AL are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs?

Cities near Dothan, AL with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Dothan, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,121 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Procurement Specialist

Enviva

Cottondale, FL

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Enviva rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Procurement Specialists will take responsibility for supporting procurement needs of a 24/7 production facility. The incumbent will work closely with all requisitioners to ensure a timely and efficient purchasing process that results in a cost-effective procurement process. The Purchasing Leader has an important role in the Procurement Organization with the responsibility for the sourcing of equipment, goods, and services while reducing cost and ensuring on time delivery to meet organizations goals and objectives. 

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

  • Serve as local owner for the procurement process of MRO (Maintenance Repair and Operations) supplies and services at the plant level
  • Implement MRO procurement processes in accordance with Enviva, OEMS, and Finance department standards and policies
  • Train plant associates on the MRO procurement processes as required by their role
  • Validate requests for materials and services to ensure specifications for materials and services are adequate and complete
  • Prepares RFQs, Source materials and services based on specifications provided by requestors, in a manner that achieves the best economic outcome while meeting the time requirements provided by the requestor
  • Convert requests to requisitions and issue POs to vendors, Manages Opens POs and Acknowledgments.
  • Monitor the requisition review and approval process to ensure timely approval
  • Manage the open requisition backlog to ensure materials and services are received within the required time frame
  • Establish min/max thresholds for MRO spares and consumables with approval from the appropriate maintenance or operations owner
  • Establish procedures for maintaining inventory accuracy of MRO spares and consumables including assignment of stock numbers and inventory locations, procedures for receiving and issuing supplies from inventory, and performing spot audits
  • Reorder material issued from inventory to maintain quantities within the min/max target
  • Report on key process indicators to measure process compliance and effectiveness such as # requests rejected for inaccurate specifications, # of aged requisitions, inventory accuracy, % of requests for parts not in stock, % requests for parts not carried in inventory, etc.
  • Responsible for implementing Category Strategies supplied by Category Managers
  • Establish and maintain strong working and strategic relationships with all peers, plant manager, production managers, and maintenance for procurement needs
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive understanding/knowledge of plant operations and requirements
  • Ensure compliance with all approved policies, strategies, and programs of the company, its parent company, or in projects for timely achievement of all activities
  • Maintain vendor database utilizing current vendors and only adding vendors with added value to the organization.
  • Manage relationships with key local suppliers to maintain quality of goods, timely delivery and compliance with the organization's terms and conditions.
  • Focus on consolidating vendors by developing synergies with other sites within the organization to achieve optimum cost savings.
  • Support and implement Procurement leadership cost saving initiatives; measuring Price Variance, Lead Time and MOQ improvements.
  • Measure and hold select local suppliers accountable for performance as measured in supplier scorecards.
  • Manage on-site vendors to ensure all procedures are followed.
  • Coordinate with accounting to ensure pricing/invoicing accuracy, supports invoice resolutions to avoid supplier credit holds.
  • Assists receiving with delivery discrepancies, Negotiates the return of non-desired material (quality or function) - RMAs.
  • Effectively communicate potential supply disruptions throughout the organization, as first escalation contact communicates and starts escalations with the supply base.
  • Promote safety initiatives and enforce the organization's safety policies.

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree required, preferably in Procurement, Materials Management, Logistics, Engineering,
  • Supply Chain or Finance.
  • Minimum of 3 years procurement plus undergraduate degree or 8 years procurement experience. A combination of education and experience will be taken into consideration.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with maintenance, production, and accounting teams.
  • Excellent analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills.
  • Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite of Word, Excel, etc.
  • Proven negotiation skills and strategies supported by specific accomplishment.
  • Proven vendor relationship management skills.
  • Ability to independently manage priorities and schedule to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Valid Driver's License.

 

Other Valuable Skills:

  • Knowledge of Gembas, Visual Administration, 5's, Root Cause Analysis, Material and Document retention, Knowledge of 7 wastes, VA and NVA activities, Continuous Improvement, Effective Communication.

Working conditions

  • Must be able to work in outdoor environments and occasionally in temperatures above 100 degrees and below 32 degrees
  • Willing and able to work in a hot, humid, cold and noisy industrial environment
  • Willing and able to maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations, to include wearing safety equipment.

Physical Requirements

  • Willing and able to work around moving equipment and machinery
  • Willing and able to pull and lift, up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards

Travel requirements

  • Occasional limited travel may be required

What Enviva employees say

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