1

Purchasing Agent Jobs in Madison, AL (NOW HIRING)

D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for a Purchasing Manager for their Purchasing Department. The right candidate will obtain and maintain best qualified and best-priced products and labor ...

Purchasing Assistant

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for a Purchasing Assistant for their Purchasing Department. The right candidate will support the purchasing department with a variety of clerical tasks.

Purchasing Manager

Madison, AL · On-site

$47.50 - $55/hr

We are looking for an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead strategic sourcing and supplier management efforts for a contract opportunity with permanent potential based in Madison, Alabama. This ...

Purchasing Assistant

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for a Purchasing Assistant for their Purchasing Department. The right candidate will support the purchasing department with a variety of clerical tasks.

The Materials and Purchasing Manager is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted material flow to support the manufacturing operations while optimizing inventory levels, supplier performance, and ...

The Materials and Purchasing Manager is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted material flow to support the manufacturing operations while optimizing inventory levels, supplier performance, and ...

This role leads purchasing, materials planning, inventory control, and supplier management activities to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Key Responsibilities Purchasing ...

... 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.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Purchasing Agent information

See Madison, AL salary details

$27.3K

$48.4K

$74.8K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Madison, AL is $48,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $53,800.00 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 specific responsibilities.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Purchasing Agent jobs in Madison, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing Agent jobs in Madison, AL are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Madison, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,412 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities

Meritage Homes is looking for a Purchasing Agent to support our Huntsville Division.  This person will:

  • Research and resolve Vendor disputes; including product or pricing issues, and invoice and contract discrepancies and coordinate pricing adjustments when necessary
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with trade partners to better meet bidding and production requirements
  • Work collaboratively with other departments, including land development, construction, marketing, finance, and design, to ensure all internals goals and deadlines are met
  • Communicate product changes to Sales, Construction, and Subcontractors
  • Initiate bid events with subcontractors, perform bid analysis, and create and compile contract confirmations as well as all backup as necessary for audit compliance
  • Assist in base cost and option price analysis
  • Assist in reviewing house budgets to verify accurate base house and margin costs
  • Assist in end-of-month cost-off process to get accruals for current month closings

#LI-NT1


Qualifications
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in Purchasing or the Construction Industry, preferably in residential homebuilding
  • 4-year degree or similar experience
  • Exceptional computer skills in Microsoft Excel and Word; JD Edwards, Enterprise One, and BuildPro experience a plus
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other construction documents a plus
  • A go-getter attitude
  • Enjoy a fast paced, high-volume work environment
  • Great attention to detail
  • Strong negotiation and influencing skills
  • Proactive in addressing questions and concerns in a professional manner
  • Can work independently as well as with a team
  • Highly organized

Overview

Are you looking for an incredible career opportunity? Then Meritage Homes is the place for you!  From the homes we build to the careers we offer, we are focused on delivering a Life.Built.Better.®. Meritage is committed to building energy-efficient and affordable entry-level and first move-up homes across the US. We are looking for candidates who are excited about furthering their careers, as well as bringing their authentic self every day to be part of an inclusive organization. Meritage was certified a Great Place To Work for a second year in a row, and is currently ranked on Fortune’s Best Workplaces listings in the categories of Construction, Women and Parents. Meritage has delivered over 200,000 homes in its 40-year history, and has a reputation for its distinctive style, quality construction, and award-winning customer experience. Meritage is looking for professionals who are self-starters and want to help our organization grow by providing new and innovative ideas. 

When joining Meritage Homes, you and your career can benefit in several ways, including:

  • A work environment that encourages creativity and innovative ideas from every level
  • An organization that lives by its core values everyday
  • Team atmosphere where every individual is considered a vital asset
  • State of the art technology to provide an optimal working environment
  • A competitive pay structure
  • Strong benefits
  • Flexibility in work-life integration
  • Team-oriented environment where all individuals play an integral role in the company
  • Opportunity to further your career in a growing national organization
  • Maintain a competitive drive to be the best
Qualifications:
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in Purchasing or the Construction Industry, preferably in residential homebuilding
  • 4-year degree or similar experience
  • Exceptional computer skills in Microsoft Excel and Word; JD Edwards, Enterprise One, and BuildPro experience a plus
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other construction documents a plus
  • A go-getter attitude
  • Enjoy a fast paced, high-volume work environment
  • Great attention to detail
  • Strong negotiation and influencing skills
  • Proactive in addressing questions and concerns in a professional manner
  • Can work independently as well as with a team
  • Highly organized
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME