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Purchasing Agent Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

PACIFIC ELECTRIC

Purchasing Agent

Corona, CA · On-site

$82K - $92K/yr

Purchasing Agent FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Purchasing / Supply Chain Company: Pacific Electric Switchgear Reports To: General Plant Manager Location: Corona, CA - May support multiple ...

PACIFIC ELECTRIC

Purchasing Agent

Corona, CA · On-site

$82K - $92K/yr

Purchasing Agent FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Purchasing / Supply Chain Company: Pacific Electric Switchgear Reports To: General Plant Manager Location: Corona, CA - May support multiple ...

Imperial Dade

Junior Purchasing Agent

Loma Linda, CA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The Junior Purchasing Agent will support inventory buying activities across multiple warehouses for Dry Goods , working on-site at our Loma Linda, CA office. This entry-level role focuses on purchase ...

Crown Technical Systems

Purchasing Agent

Fontana, CA · On-site

$61K - $84K/yr

Checking the purchase orders and modifying them according to the changes in the production plan with the help of the Shortage List and the Open Purchase Order List. * Tracking shipments, urging them ...

Flex Ltd.

Purchasing Agent

Fontana, CA · On-site

$61K - $84K/yr

Checking the purchase orders and modifying them according to the changes in the production plan with the help of the Shortage List and the Open Purchase Order List. * Tracking shipments, urging them ...

Crown Technical Systems

Purchasing Agent

Fontana, CA · On-site

$61K - $84K/yr

Checking the purchase orders and modifying them according to the changes in the production plan with the help of the Shortage List and the Open Purchase Order List. * Tracking shipments, urging them ...

Flex

Purchasing Agent

Fontana, CA · On-site

$61K - $84K/yr

Checking the purchase orders and modifying them according to the changes in the production plan with the help of the Shortage List and the Open Purchase Order List. * Tracking shipments, urging them ...

DR Horton, Inc.

Purchasing Assistant

Corona, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

The right candidate will assist the Land Development Purchasing Agent and Department in the following areas: Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Pre-qualify prospective bidders * Prepare Bid ...

Innex, Inc.

PURCHASING ASSISTANT

Montclair, CA

$19 - $24.50/hr

Growing manufacturing/distribution company in Pomona, CA., has an immediate opening for an energetic, self-motivated Purchasing Assistant with 2+ years' experience that will provide purchasing ...

FLAG Solutions LLC

Purchasing Buyer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Purchasing / Supply Chain Reports To: Purchasing Manager Classification: Non-Exempt Shift: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM-2:30 PM Compensation: $23.00-$28.00 per hour DOE Employment Type: Temp-to-Hire Now ...

Advantest

Purchasing Manager

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

Purchasing Manager The Purchasing Manager is the primary individual who has delegated responsibility for overall management and performance of assigned major/critical subcontract(s) and suppliers and ...

Advantest

Purchasing Manager

Lake Forest, CA

Purchasing Manager The Purchasing Manager is the primary individual who has delegated responsibility for overall management and performance of assigned major/critical subcontract(s) and suppliers and ...

Kelly Services

Purchasing Specialist

Irvine, CA

$35/hr

Purchasing Specialist - Irvine, CA Kelly Services is seeking a Purchasing Specialist for a long-term position with one of our Global Clients based in Irvine, CA. This is a full-time position with ...

Lennar

Purchasing Coordinator

Irvine, CA

$20.29 - $33/hr

Purchasing Coordinator We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated to making an impact and creating an extraordinary experience for their Homeowners, Communities, and ...

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All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsPurchasing Agent Jobs in Riverside, CA

Purchasing Agent information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$31.8K

$56.4K

$87.1K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Riverside, CA is $56,371.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $62,600.00 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 job requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and workload can vary depending on industry and company size. Effective communication and negotiation skills help mitigate stress in this role.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Purchasing agents can earn around $3,000 or more per month, especially with experience and strong negotiation skills, often without requiring a college degree. Other roles such as sales representatives, commercial drivers, or certain skilled trades may also reach this income level through certifications and on-the-job training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Purchasing Agent, and why are they important?

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 does a purchasing agent do?

A purchasing agent is responsible for buying goods and services for an organization, negotiating prices, and ensuring timely delivery. They analyze supplier options, manage purchase orders, and maintain relationships with vendors to secure the best terms. Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of supply chain management are essential in this role.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Purchasing agents typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying procurement roles may exist in large corporations or industries like oil and gas, but they are rare and often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in Riverside, CA? For Purchasing Agent jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Agent jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Agent jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Purchasing Agent jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Purchasing Agent job openings:
Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,371 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent

PACIFIC ELECTRIC

Corona, CA • On-site

$82K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 52 rated energy and utility

Job description

Title: Purchasing Agent

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Purchasing / Supply Chain

Company: Pacific Electric Switchgear

Reports To: General Plant Manager

Location: Corona, CA – May support multiple facilities

(approximately 5 miles apart)

General Summary:

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing purchasing and material planning activities to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, components, and services that support Pacific Electric Switchgear's manufacturing operations. This role independently evaluates material requirements, supplier performance, pricing, lead times, and inventory needs to support production schedules and business objectives. The Purchasing Agent manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, monitors material availability, and proactively addresses supply risks to ensure continuity of operations. Working cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Inventory, Quality, and suppliers, this position exercises sound judgment and decision-making to support procurement strategies, material planning, and overall supply chain performance.

Essential Functions:

  • Manages purchasing activities and procurement execution to support production schedules, material requirements, inventory objectives, and operational needs
  • Leads supplier communications and negotiates pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and purchasing terms to support cost-effective procurement and supplier performance
  • Manages open purchase orders and material commitments, proactively monitoring order status, identifying supply risks, and ensuring material availability aligns with production requirements
  • Evaluates supplier performance, delivery reliability, and responsiveness, working with vendors to resolve issues and improve service, quality, and delivery performance
  • Analyzes material shortages, supply constraints, and procurement risks and develops solutions to minimize operational disruptions and maintain continuity of supply
  • Coordinates with Inventory and Warehouse teams to align purchasing activities with inventory levels, material requirements, incoming shipments, and ERP data accuracy
  • Utilizes Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to support purchasing decisions, inventory alignment, forecasting activities, and production schedules
  • Reviews and validates purchase requirements, specifications, quantities, sourcing options, and supplier selections prior to order placement
  • Collaborates with Production, Engineering, Inventory, Quality, and other departments to support material flow, project requirements, and operational objectives
  • Supports vendor management activities, including vendor setup, supplier performance monitoring, pricing updates, return material authorizations (RMAs), and procurement documentation
  • Maintains accurate purchasing records, supplier information, procurement reports, and ERP system data to support operational and business requirements
  • Prepares and analyzes purchasing data, supplier performance metrics, inventory information, and operational reports to support decision-making, continuous improvement, and supply chain performance


REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Core Competencies / Skill Sets
  • Procurement Management and Purchasing Execution, managing purchasing activities, supplier relationships, and material procurement to support production schedules, inventory requirements, and operational objectives
  • Supplier Management, Communication, and Negotiation, leading vendor interactions and negotiating pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and purchasing terms to optimize cost, service, and supplier performance
  • Material Planning, MRP Utilization, and Inventory Alignment, utilizing Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to support purchasing decisions, inventory levels, forecasting activities, and production requirements
  • Supply Risk Analysis and Problem Resolution, identifying material shortages, supplier concerns, delivery risks, and procurement issues while developing effective solutions to minimize operational impact
  • Purchasing Analysis and Decision Making, evaluating purchasing requirements, supplier options, pricing, lead times, and sourcing alternatives to support informed procurement decisions
  • ERP System Utilization and Data Management, maintaining accurate purchasing records, supplier information, procurement reports, and material data within ERP systems such as SAP
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration, working effectively with Production, Engineering, Inventory, Quality, Warehouse, and other departments to support material flow and operational objectives
  • Organization, Attention to Detail, and Prioritization, managing multiple suppliers, purchase orders, material requirements, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and accountability
  • Continuous Improvement and Operational Efficiency, identifying opportunities to improve purchasing processes, supplier performance, material availability, and overall supply chain effectiveness
  • Microsoft Office and Business Systems Proficiency, utilizing Excel, Outlook, ERP systems, and reporting tools to support procurement analysis, communication, and operational reporting
  • Language and Communication Skills, ability to read, write, and speak English is required; bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred


Professional Experience/Education/Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement, or a related field required
  • 3–5 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or material planning experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
  • 3–5 years of experience managing supplier relationships, including pricing negotiations, lead time management, delivery performance, and procurement coordination
  • 3–5 years of experience utilizing ERP systems and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to support purchasing activities, inventory alignment, and material planning (SAP preferred)
  • 3–5 years of experience analyzing purchasing data, supplier performance, inventory requirements, and material availability to support operational decision-making
  • Experience supporting low-voltage switchgear, medium-voltage switchgear, electrical equipment manufacturing, or other industrial manufacturing environments preferred


Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

None required for this position.


Position Type / Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time, exempt position. Typical business hours with additional time as needed to meet operational demands.


Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position operates primarily in an office environment and may occasionally support operations at nearby company facilities. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, calculators, and photocopiers.


Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of position duties, responsibilities, or functions that are required of the employee for this position. The role, responsibilities, duties, and activities described within the job description may change at any time with or without notice.


Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use a computer or other office equipment. The employee may occasionally walk throughout office and production areas to collaborate with employees and support operational activities. The employee must be able to communicate effectively and maintain visual and hearing acuity sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.


Physical Requirements


Working conditions and

Physical Requirements

Level of Physical Effort Normally Required for This Position

Never

<20% Occasionally

20 – 80%

Frequently

>80%

Constantly

  1. Close Eye Work (computers, drawing, typing, reading, writing)
  1. Sedentary (continuous sitting)
  1. Light Work (standing, walking, lifting <15 pounds)
  1. Moderate Work (lifting, moving, loading 15-30 pounds, prolonged use of small hand tools, climbing ladders)
  1. Moderately Heavy Work (lifting, moving, loading 31-50 pounds)
  1. Heavy/Hard Work (above average strength and stamina, lifting >51 pounds, constant shoveling, etc.)



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