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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Rosti North America

Purchasing Agent

Germantown, WI · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for planning, sourcing, and procuring materials required to support manufacturing operations in an injection molding environment. This position manages supplier ...

Artemax

Inventory and Receiving Specialist

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Work with Purchasing Agent and Production Manager on reorder points * Create Kan-Ban process for inventory control * Communicate inventory adjustments with Production Manager * Receiving and ...

Artemax

Inventory and Receiving Specialist

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Work with Purchasing Agent and Production Manager on reorder points * Create Kan-Ban process for inventory control * Communicate inventory adjustments with Production Manager * Receiving and ...

Artemax

Inventory and Receiving Specialist

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Work with Purchasing Agent and Production Manager on reorder points * Create Kan-Ban process for inventory control * Communicate inventory adjustments with Production Manager * Receiving and ...

ETE REMAN

Manager Purchasing

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and managing day-to-day purchasing operations within ETE's Materials Management department. This role manages a team of Buyers and other staff to ...

DrinkPAK, LLC

Manager, Purchasing

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$115 - $135/hr

Position Overview The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the procurement and supply continuity of DrinkPAK‑procured direct materials supporting manufacturing operations. This role combines ...

Ete Reman

Manager Purchasing

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Job Overview The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and managing day-to-day purchasing operations within ETE's Materials Management department. This role manages a team of Buyers and other ...

Central Garden & Pet

Purchasing Manager

Franklin, WI · On-site

Description POSITION SUMMARY The Purchasing Manager role is responsible for executing several roles within our procurement group: The first will be to manage the day-to-day activities of the ...

AVIRE

Purchasing Manager

Sussex, WI · On-site

Further, you will own key purchasing decisions and manage supplier-related risks and escalations while identifying, executing, and rigorously tracking cost reduction, cost avoidance, and ...

Walbec Group

Purchasing Specialist

Waukesha, WI

The Purchasing Specialist plays a critical role in supporting plant operations, inventory management, and purchasing functions. This position ensures asphalt plants and warehouses are properly ...

Central Garden & Pet

Purchasing Manager

Franklin, WI · On-site

Description POSITION SUMMARY The Purchasing Manager role is responsible for executing several roles within our procurement group: The first will be to manage the day-to-day activities of the ...

Standard Iron

Purchasing Administrator

Hartford, WI · On-site

The Purchasing Administrator plays a key role in supporting the daily operation of the Procurement team by ensuring purchasing activities, supplier communications, and procurement records are managed ...

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All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsPurchasing Agent Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Purchasing Agent information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$30.1K

$53.2K

$82.3K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Milwaukee, WI is $53,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $59,100.00 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.
More about Purchasing Agent jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

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For Purchasing Agent jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Purchasing Agent jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing Agent jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

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Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:

Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,236 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Purchasing Agent

Rosti North America

Germantown, WI • On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for planning, sourcing, and procuring materials required to support manufacturing operations in an injection molding environment. This position manages supplier relationships, inventory levels, purchase orders, material availability, and vendor performance to ensure uninterrupted production while maintaining cost, quality, and delivery objectives. The Purchasing Agent works closely with Production Scheduling, Quality, Engineering, Shipping, Receiving, and Accounting to support operational goals and continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements:

Purchasing

  • Plan and procure resin, colorants, additives, packaging materials, and other production-related supplies.
  • Generate, issue, and manage purchase orders through the ERP/MRP system.
  • Monitor inventory levels and replenish materials to support production schedules and safety stock targets.
  • Track supplier deliveries and expedite orders as necessary to prevent production interruptions.
  • Analyze supplier pricing and negotiate favorable terms, costs, and lead times.
  • Maintain supplier relationships and evaluate vendor performance related to quality, delivery, and service.
  • Resolve supplier issues, receiving discrepancies, and invoice variances in coordination with Receiving and Accounting.
  • Maintain supplier certifications, SDS documentation, compliance records, and approved supplier files.
  • Support supplier qualification and continuous supplier improvement activities.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

  • Monitor inventory usage trends and forecast material requirements.
  • Assist with cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory accuracy initiatives.
  • Review demand requirements and adjust purchasing plans based on production schedules and customer forecasts.
  • Coordinate incoming material deliveries to ensure availability for production.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce excess inventory while maintaining adequate supply levels.

Manufacturing & Cross-Functional Support

  • Collaborate with Scheduling and Production teams to ensure materials are available before mold changeovers and production runs.
  • Support Engineering and Quality departments with material sourcing, qualification, and documentation requirements.
  • Participate in cost reduction, process improvement, and supplier development initiatives.
  • Assist in evaluating alternative materials and suppliers to improve performance and reduce costs.
  • Provide procurement-related data and reports to management as needed.

Qualifications

Required

  • 2-4 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate purchasing records.
  • Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

Preferred

  • Injection molding or plastics manufacturing experience.
  • Knowledge of thermoplastics, engineering resins, color concentrates, and packaging materials.
  • Understanding inventory management, forecasting, and supplier performance metrics.
  • Experience with supplier quality requirements and manufacturing documentation.

Revised Specific Duties

  • Create, maintain, and manage purchase orders and procurement records.
  • Review production schedules and forecast material requirements.
  • Track open purchase orders and supplier commitments.
  • Expedite critical materials and communicate supply risks to management.
  • Maintain supplier documentation, certifications, SDS records, and compliance files.
  • Support inventory management activities, cycle counts, and variance investigations.
  • Assist with supplier negotiations and annual cost reduction initiatives.