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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Racine, County of (WI)

Purchasing Agent

Racine, WI · On-site

$35.98 - $50.37/hr

Job Summary Manage the operations of the purchasing function within the Finance Department, including the procurement of County products, goods, and services. Key Responsibilities Implement, maintain ...

Racine County, WI

Purchasing Agent

Racine, WI · On-site

$35.98 - $50.37/hr

Job Summary Manage the operations of the purchasing function within the Finance Department, including the procurement of County products, goods, and services. Key Responsibilities * Implement ...

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 ...

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 ...

Walbec Group

Purchasing Specialist

Waukesha, WI · On-site

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 30, 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:

What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs?

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

Racine, County of (WI)

Racine, WI • On-site

$35.98 - $50.37/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary Manage the operations of the purchasing function within the Finance Department, including the procurement of County products, goods, and services. Key Responsibilities Implement, maintain, and ensure compliance with the Racine County Procurement ordinance (Chapter 7, Article VIII) Identify opportunities to create new policies/procedures to support procurement ordinance Monitor status of authorized purchase orders and/or contracts including annual opening or closing of applicable purchase orders Provide expertise to departments by attending procurement-related meetings as needed Identify and implement cost saving projects in cooperation with county departments Manage RFP process to ensure compliance and timely execution Participate in supplier selection process for request for proposals (RFPs) reviewing factors such as price, quality, and support Monitor expiration of County contracts and purchase orders; work with departments to submit updates if applicable Evaluate contracts to ensure that requirements are met and comply with County policies Coordinate and schedule training and product review sessions involving vendors and appropriate county staff Administer and manage County's online business accounts Administer the County's P-Card program including training for new cardholders Reconcile p-card limits and authorizations listed with bank, with those reflected in financial system to ensure accuracy Maintain all procurement documents, manually and/or electronically, filing confidential data as required Work with departments and/or vendors to resolve routine procurement issues in a timely and efficient manner Conduct market analysis/research to ensure cost effective and competitive pricing regarding County supply purchases Proof contracts to ensure proper entry into the financial system Provide cost estimates to County departments for capital budget requests Coordinate the inventory and disposal of County's surplus office furniture and equipment Identify process improvements to streamline County purchasing processes Supervision Received Receives general supervision from the Assistant Finance Director. Qualifications A Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Management, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Five (5) years progressively responsible work experience in purchasing, preferably with public purchasing or purchasing for government reimbursements and accounting experience. Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. Knowledge Skills & Abilities Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) certification, or other professional management certification preferred.

Ability to effectively communicate at all levels Excellent oral and written communication skills Good organizational skills. Proficient data analysis skills Ability to identify process improvement opportunities Familiarity with purchasing and accounting, using Tyler Munis system desirable. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word This description has been prepared to assist in properly evaluating various classes of responsibilities, skill, working conditions, etc., present in the classification

It is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and characteristic levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities; nor, is it intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

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