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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

City of Los Banos

Purchasing Manager

Los Banos, CA

$114K - $146K/yr

DEFINITION To plan, organize, direct and supervise the City's purchasing functions, assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; purchase materials, supplies ...

City of Los Banos, CA

Purchasing Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$114K - $146K/yr

Oversee and coordinate purchasing of supplies, materials, equipment, and services in accordance with the City's purchasing ordinance, policies, and guidelines and consistent with the requester ...

southerncarlson

Purchasing Specialist

Stockton, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Purchasing Specialist Location: Stockton, CA Schedule: Monday - Friday | Full-Time Compensation: $75,000-$80,000 Salary About Us SouthernCarlson is a leading distributor of the most recognized brands ...

Foster Farms

Purchasing Manager

Livingston, CA · On-site

$103K - $129K/yr

The Purchasing Manager provides leadership and oversight for Indirect Supplies, MRO, and Site Services procurement; managing an annual spend of $200M+. This role is responsible for delivering ...

Foster Farms

Purchasing Manager

Livingston, CA · Hybrid

$103K - $129K/yr

The Purchasing Manager provides leadership and oversight for Indirect Supplies, MRO, and Site Services procurement; managing an annual spend of $200M+. This role is responsible for delivering ...

Kemper

Licensed Insurance Agent

Stockton, CA · On-site

Employee Stock Purchase Program * Great work-life balance. Benefit from autonomy in managing your ... The Licensed Agent Bonus Program is not available to rehires or agents with temporary licenses.

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All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsPurchasing Agent Jobs in Modesto, CA

Purchasing Agent information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$32.2K

$57K

$88.1K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Modesto, CA is $57,005.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $63,300.00 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.
More about Purchasing Agent jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Modesto, CA? The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in Modesto, CA? For Purchasing Agent jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:
Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,005 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Purchasing & Inventory Agent

Hydraulic Controls

Stockton, CA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Purchasing & Inventory Agent – Systems Division

Stockton, CA | On-site | Full-time, Non-Exempt

About the Opportunity


Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is seeking a Purchasing & Inventory Agent to support our Systems Division in Stockton.


This is a purchasing- and inventory-focused operations role supporting our engineering, fabrication, and production teams. The position helps ensure that the correct parts and materials are ordered, received accurately, properly recorded, and available when needed.

This may be a strong fit for someone who is organized, mechanically curious, comfortable working across office and shop environments, and known for accuracy and follow-through.

What You’ll Do

  • Prepare purchase orders and verify product specifications, pricing, quantities, and delivery requirements.
  • Review supplier acknowledgments and follow up on pricing, availability, lead times, and delivery schedules.
  • Monitor inventory levels and help ensure materials are available to support engineering, fabrication, and production needs.
  • Receive and inspect incoming products, process inventory transactions, and follow FIFO procedures.
  • Research and correct discrepancies involving inventory quantities, receipts, shipments, work orders, or system records.
  • Work with suppliers to resolve delivery, quantity, quality, pricing, and documentation issues.
  • Prepare work orders and pull parts for fabrication and production.
  • Support Engineering with product information and quotes.
  • Provide basic assistance with customer questions, quotes, and sales transactions as needed.

What You Bring

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience in purchasing, inventory control, receiving, manufacturing, industrial distribution, or a related operational environment.
  • Strong computer, data-entry, and Microsoft Excel skills.
  • Ability to learn and accurately use an ERP or inventory management system; TrulinX experience is helpful but not required.
  • Strong organization, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and follow-through.
  • Ability to communicate professionally with suppliers, customers, and coworkers.
  • Ability to manage changing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Mechanical aptitude or an interest in learning about hydraulic, electronic, and power-transmission products.
  • Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems or industrial products is helpful but not required.

Why Join HCI?


Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned fluid power distributor and systems provider serving customers throughout the Western United States. For 60 years, our employee-owners and supplier partners have built HCI’s reputation through ethical business practices, technical expertise, responsive customer service, and dependable local support.


HCI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan eligibility
  • 401(k) plan with a 4.5% company match
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program


Through HCI’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, eligible employees can build an ownership stake in the company over time at no direct cost to them, subject to plan eligibility and vesting requirements.


Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process and for the performance of essential job functions.