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Purchasing Jobs in Lawrence, KS (NOW HIRING)

The Purchasing Manager ensures that City procurement activities are efficient, transparent, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals and community values. This is an exciting opportunity to ...

The Purchasing Manager ensures that City procurement activities are efficient, transparent, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals and community values. This is an exciting opportunity to ...

PURCHASING MANAGER

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$87K - $105K/yr

The Purchasing Manager ensures that City procurement activities are efficient, transparent, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals and community values. This is an exciting opportunity to ...

Introduction The Purchasing Supervisor leads and oversees day-to-day procurement operations to ensure material availability, supplier performance, and compliance with company policies and regulatory ...

Introduction The Purchasing Supervisor leads and oversees day-to-day procurement operations to ensure material availability, supplier performance, and compliance with company policies and regulatory ...

Introduction The Purchasing Supervisor leads and oversees day-to-day procurement operations to ensure material availability, supplier performance, and compliance with company policies and regulatory ...

Purchasing/Inventory Clerk

Topeka, KS · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Analyzes Purchasing Assessment data and proposes strategies. * Prepares, conducts, and follows up on supplier business review meeting * Determine and communicate need for any expedited materials.

Purchase airfare and make hotel reservations for all employees as needed. * Check all deliveries/packages and distribute appropriately. * Responsible for all quarterly and annual inventories. * Act ...

Purchase airfare and make hotel reservations for all employees as needed. * Check all deliveries/packages and distribute appropriately. * Responsible for all quarterly and annual inventories. * Act ...

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Purchasing information

See Lawrence, KS salary details

$28.8K

$51K

$78.7K

How much do purchasing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing in Lawrence, KS is $50,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,600.00 and $56,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a purchasing?

A Purchasing job involves the process of acquiring goods and services for a company or organization. Professionals in purchasing are responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, evaluating quality, and ensuring that needed materials are delivered on time and within budget. Their work is essential for maintaining smooth operations and helping organizations control costs. Purchasing roles can exist in many industries, ranging from manufacturing to retail and government. These jobs often require strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

Are purchasing jobs in demand?

Purchasing jobs are generally in demand across various industries as companies seek professionals to manage procurement, supply chain, and vendor relationships. These roles often require skills in negotiation, inventory management, and familiarity with procurement software, and employment prospects tend to be steady due to ongoing supply chain needs.

Is purchasing a good career?

Purchasing is a viable career that involves sourcing and acquiring goods or services for organizations, often requiring skills in negotiation, supply chain management, and familiarity with procurement software. It offers opportunities in various industries, with roles that can lead to management positions and require certifications like CPSM or C.P.M. for advancement.

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

To thrive as a Purchasing professional, you need strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and a solid understanding of supply chain management, typically supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa, and certifications like Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are common requirements. Attention to detail, effective communication, and relationship-building are vital soft skills for managing supplier interactions and resolving issues. These competencies ensure cost-effective procurement, risk mitigation, and smooth operations within the organization.

What does a purchasing job do?

A purchasing job involves sourcing, negotiating, and buying goods or services needed by a company to ensure smooth operations. Professionals in this role analyze supplier options, manage vendor relationships, and use procurement software to track orders and costs. Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of supply chain processes are essential for success.

What are some common challenges faced by purchasing professionals and how can they be addressed?

Purchasing professionals often encounter challenges such as supply chain disruptions, fluctuating prices, and managing relationships with multiple vendors. Staying proactive by building strong supplier partnerships, maintaining clear communication, and using data-driven decision-making tools can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, collaborating closely with other departments like finance and operations ensures alignment on purchasing needs and helps streamline procurement processes.

What is the difference between Purchasing vs Procurement Specialist?

AspectPurchasingProcurement Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like C.P.M. are commonOften requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CPSM are advantageous
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, handling purchase orders and supplier interactionsOffice and strategic planning, supplier negotiations, and contract management
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for buying goods and servicesMore strategic role, involved in sourcing and supplier relationship management

Purchasing focuses on the transactional aspect of buying goods and services, such as issuing purchase orders. Procurement specialists take a broader, strategic approach, including sourcing, negotiations, and supplier management. While both roles are essential in supply chain operations, procurement specialists often handle more complex negotiations and strategic planning compared to purchasing professionals.

What career paths exist in purchasing?

Career paths in purchasing include roles such as Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Category Manager, and Supply Chain Manager. Advancement often involves gaining experience, certifications like CPSM or CPSD, and developing skills in negotiation, supplier management, and inventory control. These roles can lead to senior management positions or specialized procurement functions within organizations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Lawrence, KS? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Lawrence, KS are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing jobs in Lawrence, KS? For Purchasing jobs in Lawrence, KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Lawrence, KS are hiring for Purchasing jobs? Cities near Lawrence, KS with the most Purchasing job openings:
Infographic showing various Purchasing job openings in Lawrence, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,957 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Summary:
The City of Lawrence is seeking an experienced, strategic, and service-oriented Purchasing Manager to lead the City’s purchasing operations. This position is a key leadership role within the Finance Department, responsible for overseeing all aspects of sourcing, formal bidding, contracting, vendor management, and purchasing policy development. The Purchasing Manager ensures that City procurement activities are efficient, transparent, equitable, and aligned with organizational goals and community values.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the City’s purchasing strategy, strengthen relationships across departments and with suppliers, and develop processes that promote cost savings, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service delivery.

Responsibilities:
Lead and manage the City’s purchasing and contracting processes, including planning, negotiating, and administering professional service, contractor, and construction agreements through formal solicitation methods.

Ensure all purchasing activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, funding requirements, and best practices by developing solicitations and overseeing fair, transparent, and competitive procurement processes.

Draft, review, and administer contracts, renewals, and amendments for goods and services, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with legal and operational requirements.

Serve as a subject-matter expert to City departments, providing guidance on purchasing procedures, bid evaluations, and procurement strategies to support effective and compliant decision-making.

Lead and develop purchasing staff, oversee purchasing systems, and drive process improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen operations, and modernize the City’s purchasing function.

 

Qualifications: 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in business administration, public administration, management, accounting, finance, supply chain, or a related field.

Five (5) years of government procurement experience.

Three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license. 

Professional Buyer certification by the National Institute of Government Purchasing Agents is preferred.

Professional certification from a recognized Purchasing Association (Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional in Supply Management) preferred, or the ability to attain within two (2) years of employment.

Supply Chain certification by the NIGP The Institute of Governmental Purchasing, ASCM Association for Supply Chain Management preferred, or the ability to attain within two (2) years of employment.

Applicants must submit the following to be considered:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter demonstrating interest in public procurement and alignment with the role
  • Three (3) Professional References

 

The successful candidate must pass a background check, post-offer physical, and drug screening.

 

Benefits:
Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance: Various dependent coverage levels available; FREE Well Care Clinic through LMH; other wellness benefits/perks
Paid Time Off: 12 Vacation days, 12 Sick days accrued per year; 2 days Personal Leave, 10 Paid Holidays
Retirement: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)