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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Madison, AL (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing/Storeroom Lead

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Purchasing/Storeroom Lead Reports to: Site Manager About Martin Inc. Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Florence, AL, Martin offers a wide variety of products and services in Industrial, Safety ...

Buyer/Purchaser

Redstone Arsenal, AL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform, manage, and maintain file documentation in accordance with company policies and DCMA Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) requirements. * Support multiple projects in parallel in an ...

Insurance Agent Trainee

Decatur, AL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Buyer/Purchaser

Huntsville, AL

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform, manage, and maintain file documentation in accordance with company policies and DCMA Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) requirements. Support multiple projects in parallel in an ...

Minimum (2) years of applicable experience in contract procurement or similar purchasing background of mechanical and electronic parts in support of test instrumentation, development, and ...

Minimum (2) years of applicable experience in contract procurement or similar purchasing background of mechanical and electronic parts in support of test instrumentation, development, and ...

Showing results 21-40

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 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.

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.

Associate Purchasing Manager

L3Harris Technologies

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Associate Manager, Subcontracts (Purchasing)

Job Code: 42272

Job Location: Huntsville, AL

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

As an Assistant Purchasing Manager, you will play an important role in supporting the procurement of materials, equipment, and services for exciting defense and aerospace programs. This is a great opportunity to be part of a collaborative team that helps deliver solutions for U.S. Government, DoD, and commercial customers.In this role, you will assist with a variety of purchasing activities, including supplier selection, purchase order and subcontract administration, cost and price analysis, compliance oversight, and supplier performance management. You will also use your knowledge of defense procurement practices, including FAR, DFARS, customer flow-down requirements, and internal purchasing policies, to help ensure work is completed accurately and in compliance with requirements.You will work closely with teams across Program Management, Contracts, Subcontracts, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Finance, and Legal, giving you the opportunity to build strong partnerships and contribute to important business and program goals. Your work will help ensure procurement activities support quality expectations, cost objectives, and delivery schedules.This role is a strong fit for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and contributing to meaningful, mission-driven programs. The position requires up to 20% travel.

Essential Functions:

  • Requires up to 20% travel.
  • Supports procurement operations for defense and aerospace programs.
  • Assists with the procurement of materials, services, equipment, and subcontracted work for commercial and U.S. Government-funded programs.
  • Prepares, issues, evaluates, and administers purchase orders and subcontracts in compliance with company procedures and FAR/DFARS requirements.
  • Reviews purchase requisitions and statements of work to ensure clear requirements, proper documentation, and appropriate sourcing methods.
  • Solicits supplier quotes and proposals, supports source selection, and performs price and cost analysis to ensure fair and reasonable pricing.
  • Monitors supplier performance and helps resolve quality, delivery, compliance, and other supply chain issues impacting program execution.
  • Maintains procurement documentation, tracks key metrics, supports audits and CPSR readiness, and provides guidance on compliance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 6 years prior relevant purchasing experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related purchasing experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related purchasing experience.
  • 4 years of purchasing, subcontracting, procurement, or supply chain experience in a defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated environment.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience supporting DoD, prime contractor, or major aerospace program procurement activities.
  • Familiarity with CPSR requirements and purchasing system compliance expectations.
  • Knowledge of FAR Part 15, FAR Part 44, and relevant DFARS clauses related to subcontracting and supplier management.
  • Experience with cost-reimbursable, fixed-price, and time-and-material procurement environments.
  • Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, counterfeit parts prevention requirements, and cybersecurity flow-downs such as DFARS 252.204-7012 or related clauses, as applicable.
  • Knowledge of AS9100, DCMA, DCAA, and defense quality/compliance expectations.
  • Prior team lead, supervisory, or formal/informal leadership experience.
  • Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM, CPCM, or related certification preferred.
  • Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and U.S. Government contracting requirements applicable to purchasing and subcontracting activities.
  • Experience with purchase order and subcontract administration, supplier negotiations, and procurement file documentation.
  • Experience performing price analysis and understanding basic cost analysis principles.
  • Familiarity with customer flow-down requirements and procurement compliance expectations for defense contracts.
  • Strong understanding of supplier management, delivery assurance, and quality coordination in a regulated manufacturing or program environment.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement reporting tools.

#LI-DM1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time