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Purchasing Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Manager Who We Are Essity is a global leader in health and hygiene headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with a North American headquarters located in Philadelphia, PA. We are a multi ...

Camping World is seeking a Consignment Specialist to join our growing team.We are looking for a Consignment Specialist , who will be primarily responsible for the acquisition of used inventory from ...

CRST Specialized Solutions is looking for independent contractor Teams (Lease Purchase) to haul specialty freight across the country. As a Specialized contractor, you choose your home time, loads ...

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Purchasing information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$30.3K

$53.7K

$83K

How much do purchasing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing in Lexington, KY is $53,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $59,600.00 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.

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 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 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.

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 growth depends on economic conditions and industry 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 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 CPM, and developing skills in negotiation, supplier management, and inventory control.

What does a purchasing job do?

A purchasing job involves sourcing, negotiating, and buying goods or services for a company to ensure quality and cost efficiency. Professionals in this role often use procurement software and need strong negotiation and organizational skills to manage supplier relationships and maintain inventory levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Lexington, KY?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Lexington, KY are:

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing jobs in Lexington, KY?

For Purchasing jobs in Lexington, KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Purchasing jobs in Lexington, KY look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing jobs in Lexington, KY are:

What cities near Lexington, KY are hiring for Purchasing jobs?

Cities near Lexington, KY with the most Purchasing job openings:

Infographic showing various Purchasing job openings in Lexington, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,704 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Purchasing Manager

Harrodsburg, KY • On-site


Essity
Health and Personal Care Stores • 10K+ employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Good employer

Paid breaks

Respectful managers


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Purchasing Manager
Who We Are
Essity is a global leader in health and hygiene headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with a North American headquarters located in Philadelphia, PA. We are a multi-billion-dollar company with a purpose to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, care givers, and customers across the globe. We do this through innovations in our Professional Hygiene, Consumer
Goods, and Health & Medical business units that provide hygiene and health solutions to over a billion people every day worldwide.
Working at Essity is more than a career, it is where you will play your part in a better future, to improve well-being for people and have opportunities to drive positive change for society and the environment. As an employee at Essity, you will belong to a team where you feel valued, are safe, supported to grow and challenged to generate business results in a friendly and open atmosphere.
About the Role
The Essity Global Procurement Group is currently seeking a Procurement (Purchasing) Manager for our Central Region consisting of two manufacturing plants in Middletown (OH) and Harrodsburg (KY). This position will be based in our Harrodsburg facility.
Incumbent is responsible for the coordination, organization, leadership, and negotiation of regional/site procurement agreements with strategically chosen vendors that provide maximum value and benefit for the region/site in a manner that supports the philosophies and business practices of the Essity Procurement strategy.
We're looking for people who embody our values, aren't afraid to challenge the status quo, innovate, experiment, and move at a fast pace. We're always looking for ways to improve our products and ourselves. If this is you, we'd love to talk.
What You Will Do
  • High degree of understanding of region's required commodities and appropriate vendors and their offerings, maintaining organized records of commodities, agreements, vendors and their performance, and their primary stakeholders at each Essity site;
  • Education and execution of Purchasing processes and systems for the assigned Region and Site(s) and its procurement personnel. This would include Operational effectiveness, general understanding/application of business procurement law including using approved forms/templates, and appropriate Internal Controls for processes including: requisitioning, vendor negotiations, bidding, PO/commitments, receiving PO exceptions, and Accounts Payable PO exceptions;
  • Lead, train, and optimize procurement personnel at the assigned region's sites;
  • Effective high impact Collaborator, working between Regional/Site Operations, Corporate Procurement, and Regional Finance to implement and oversee appropriate Procurement Processes at the Region/Site. The incumbent would create and lead Cross Functional Teams as a regular part of this position function;
  • Strong positive impact on assigned Regional/site cost-side budgets as it pertains to procured materials, services, and equipment. Provide budget and forecast information to Finance and Operations in a timely an accurate manner;
  • Development, Leadership, and Documentation of local Sourcing Strategies, and participation, support, and implementation of Corporate Sourcing Strategies at the Region/site(s), utilizing the corporate standards so that;
  • Correct Regional stakeholders have up-front involvement;
  • Procurement Strategy teams are created, with appropriate participation and leadership by incumbent;
  • Goals and Benefits of the Strategies are clearly defined and support the regional and its sites;
  • Requests for regional Quotes are clearly and professionally communicated to potential vendors using our Sourcing systems & Tools (SAP ERP & SAP ARIBA)
  • The Operational portion of Vendor Proposals that support Essity requirements and benefits are reviewed with the local or regional Procurement team;
  • Incumbent leads the Regional Procurement Team to Procurement decisions that support the Corporate Procurement Strategy and affected sites;
  • Incumbent manages the Regional and site(s) relationships with the vendors in a manner whereby their performance supports the benefits and requirements of the sites and the contracted agreements;
  • This would include active participation in working with Corporate Procurement, who will lead the development of multi-site agreements;
  • Incumbent leads regular vendor performance reviews with local vendors, and participates in the reviews of vendors covered under Corporate agreements;
  • Understanding and leadership of the proper use of the electronic Procurement business system (SAP) for the region/site(s). The incumbent is considered the region/site owner and expert on the procurement portion of the system;
  • Leads in implementing the Environmental, Health and Safety, Quality/Food Safety System (QRESH) policies and procedures to meet or exceed our customers product quality, service and sustainability expectations, including certification requirements such as ISO:14001, SFQ, and others as applicable;
  • Demonstrates leadership in the prevention of pollution, compliance with applicable legal and other requirements, and continual improvement of environmental performance especially in the areas of recognized Environmental Significant Aspects and Essity's established corporate sustainability goals;
  • Practice commitment to the philosophy that Environmental, Health and Safety, Quality/Food Safety (QRESH) stewardship is everyone's responsibility;
  • Perform other essential responsibilities deemed as necessary.

Who You Are
  • A bachelor' degree in Business Administration and a minimum of five to seven years of directly related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience and a proven record of effectiveness in a same or similar role;
  • A minimum of five years of experience in Purchasing, Contract Administration, Planning with vendor interface or Marketing. The individual must have demonstrated and effective leadership experience;
  • Strong Organizational, Communication, Negotiation, Collaboration, Project Management, general understanding of Financial Systems, Customer Focus, Improvement Orientation, strong Interpersonal and Diplomatic Skills, Effective Leadership, Planning, and Results Orientation;
  • Understanding of Procurement market, pricing, usage and contracting for assigned commodity group(s);
  • Strong knowledge and ability to work with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.
  • Strong knowledge of SAP ERP, SAP ARIBA, SAP BW & Power BI
  • Strong Financial Acumen is essential in this role.

What We Can Offer You
At Essity, we believe every career is as unique as the individual and empower employees to reach their full potential in a winning culture motivated by a powerful purpose.
Compensation and Benefits:
Expected Compensation:
Competitive annual salary + annual incentive bonus + benefits
Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors such as knowledge, skills, and experience.
Along with competitive pay you will be eligible for the following benefits:
  • United Healthcare PPO / EyeMed Vision Insurance / Delta Dental Insurance
  • Wellness program provided through Rally
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) with employer match and annual employer base contribution
  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • PTO offering with Paid Holidays
  • Scholarship program for children of Essity employees.

Additional Information
The Company is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process please contact EssityHRNorthAmerica@essity.com
Together, we are improving lives, every day
Working at Essity is not just a career; it is a chance to directly make the world a healthier, more hygienic and safer place. With impactful innovations coupled with sustainable solutions, we strive to reach more people every year with the necessary and essential solutions for well-being.
Application End Date:
Job Requisition ID:
Essity260993


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