ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Purchasing Agent Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Kemper

Licensed Insurance Agent

Ontario, CA

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.

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 21, 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 Business Analyst (23472)

Purchasing Business Analyst (23472)

Sumitomo Rubber North America

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Purchasing Business Analyst is responsible for designing, developing, and managing analytical tools and business models that support supplier and commodity market analysis, RFQ/RFP evaluations, and overall supply chain operations. This role is instrumental in generating reports and delivering insights to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. By ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data analysis, the Business Analyst enables Purchasing to identify opportunities, make informed decisions, and drive greater value for the organization. This position also provides data-driven recommendations to support purchasing strategies and operational planning.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Reporting and data analysis
  • Analytical model design and development
  • Data validation and quality control
  • Market intelligence research and analysis
  • Advanced PowerPoint presentation development
  • KPI tracking and performance monitoring
  • Feedstock analysis
  • Benchmarking
  • Variance analysis

Job-related location requirement:
  • Candidates must reside in California and within reasonable distance to our corporate office, Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Schedule: 8:00am - 5:00pm (core business hours). Managers may adjust schedule as needed based on business needs.
After your first 30 days onsite, you'll transition to our hybrid schedule:
  • In-office: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
  • Remote: Wednesday, Friday

Minimum of two (2) years of experience in an analytical role, preferably supporting purchasing, procurement, or supply chain functions. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, is required. Strong experience with database applications and data visualization tools is preferred. Intermediate to advanced Excel skills are expected, including the ability to work with large datasets and build analytical models. Candidates must demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical abilities, with experience using statistical tools or software.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively. Must be self-motivated and able to produce accurate, actionable, and efficient data. A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to go beyond assigned responsibilities is essential. Strong communication and presentation skills are required, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization. Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods. Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer work is required. Occasional walking, reaching above shoulder height and below the waist, and lifting up to 25 pounds may be necessary. This position operates in a standard office environment with controlled climate and moderate noise levels.

Apply