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Senior Purchasing Agent Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Towson University

Senior Purchasing Agent

Towson, MD · On-site

$88K - $103K/yr

The Senior Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring specialized and complex goods and services involving the planning/preparation, solicitation, evaluation, awarding, and administering of ...

Sunrise Senior Living

Purchasing Agent

Mclean, VA · On-site

Why Join Sunrise Senior Living At Sunrise Senior Living, we believe meaningful work starts with ... The Purchasing Agent supports Sunrise communities by managing tactical purchasing functions ...

Sunriseseniorliving

Purchasing Agent

Mclean, VA

Why Join Sunrise Senior Living At Sunrise Senior Living, we believe meaningful work starts with ... The Purchasing Agent supports Sunrise communities by managing tactical purchasing functions ...

Kennedy Services

Procurement Buyer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$28.25 - $37.50/hr

The Senior Purchasing Agent/Buyer performs a broad range of duties in connection with the timely purchase of supplies, equipment and services to support the on-going operation of schools and offices.

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l.

Buyer

Mclean, VA

Two (2) years of experience as a professional buyer and/or purchasing agent required; four (4) or more years strongly preferred. * Experience with software related to purchasing, inventory tracking ...

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l.

Buyer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Two (2) years of experience as a professional buyer and/or purchasing agent required; four (4) or more years strongly preferred. * Experience with software related to purchasing, inventory tracking ...

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l.

Buyer

Mclean, VA

Two (2) years of experience as a professional buyer and/or purchasing agent required; four (4) or more years strongly preferred. * Experience with software related to purchasing, inventory tracking ...

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Senior Purchasing Agent information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$31.5K

$55.9K

$86.3K

How much do senior purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior purchasing agent in Silver Spring, MD is $55,858.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior purchasing agent?

Senior Purchasing Agents are experienced professionals responsible for managing and overseeing the procurement process within an organization. They negotiate contracts, evaluate suppliers, and ensure that goods and services are acquired at the best possible value. In addition to sourcing materials, they analyze market trends, maintain supplier relationships, and often supervise junior purchasing staff. Their expertise helps companies control costs and maintain efficient supply chains.

How does a senior purchasing agent typically collaborate with other departments to ensure effective procurement processes?

A Senior Purchasing Agent works closely with departments such as finance, operations, and inventory management to align purchasing strategies with organizational needs. They regularly communicate requirements, timelines, and supplier updates, often participating in cross-functional meetings to anticipate and resolve supply chain challenges. Collaborating with stakeholders helps ensure that purchasing decisions support budget goals, production schedules, and quality standards. Building strong internal relationships is key to proactively addressing issues and optimizing procurement outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Senior Purchasing Agent, you need strong negotiation, analytical, and supply chain management skills, typically supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software (such as SAP or Oracle), vendor management systems, and relevant certifications like CPM or CPSM is often required. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities help you excel in coordinating with suppliers and cross-functional teams. These skills ensure effective sourcing, cost savings, and the smooth flow of goods and services essential to organizational success.

What is the difference between Senior Purchasing Agent vs Purchasing Agent?

AspectSenior Purchasing AgentPurchasing Agent
CredentialsTypically requires 3+ years experience, relevant certifications (e.g., CPSM)Entry to mid-level experience, may require some certifications
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, manufacturing, or distribution centersSimilar environments, often in retail, manufacturing, or logistics
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, government, and manufacturing sectorsCommon across retail, wholesale, and manufacturing industries
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for career progression or salary differencesBase role for procurement professionals

The main difference between a Senior Purchasing Agent and a Purchasing Agent lies in experience, responsibilities, and seniority. Senior Purchasing Agents typically have more experience, handle complex negotiations, and oversee procurement processes, whereas Purchasing Agents focus on executing purchasing tasks. Both roles are vital in procurement, but the senior position involves greater strategic involvement and leadership.

Is a senior purchasing agent a stressful job?

A senior purchasing agent role can be stressful due to the responsibility of managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely procurement within budget constraints. The job often requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Purchasing Agent jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Senior Purchasing Agent jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Purchasing Agent jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Purchasing Agent jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Senior Purchasing Agent jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Senior Purchasing Agent job openings:

Senior Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Purchasing Agent job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,858 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Senior Purchasing Agent

Towson University

Towson, MD • On-site

$88K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Towson University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Summary
Towson University (TU) has earned distinction as both a top-100 public university and one of the nation's great colleges to work for. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect to cultivating the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
The Senior Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring specialized and complex goods and services involving the planning/preparation, solicitation, evaluation, awarding, and administering of contracts for a wide range of services. The position administers low to high-dollar-value procurements while ensuring vendor compliance with terms/conditions, and adherence, to University System of Maryland (USM) and State of MD requirements. This role may work with other USM campuses to source, award, and administer system-wide contracts. This role may also approve routine transactions and make other decisions in the absence of the Director/Associate Director and make procurement presentations to campus leadership and outside groups. Telework may be available for this position up to two days per week following the completion of 90 days of service in good standing.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Independently solicit, evaluate, award, and exercise contract renewals for low to high-dollar-value procurement but are not limited to information technology (IT), services contract, facilities maintenance, construction, commodities and or any other goods and services as assigned by the Procurement Director and Associate Procurement Director. Identify/screen new contract vehicles, validate customer sole-source and emergency justifications, and furnish end users with new contract vehicles, price, and data. Independently lead RFP evaluation teams, conduct IFB, process purchase orders, change orders, and contract modifications or amendments. Prepare and review bids and make contract awards to the most responsive and responsible bidder.
  • Independently provide proactive procedural/policy guidance and advice to Procurement customers to ensure fulfillment of the University's and the division's mission, goals, requirements, and schedules, and adherence to State of Maryland statues/regulations, Board of Public Works (BPW) advisories, USM Procurement Policies and Procedures, and best purchasing practices.
  • Independently advise end-users on new technology and contract vehicles etc. as appropriate. Consult on tactical issues (e.g., project planning, choice of contracting method, optimal source, term, and contract language, etc.). Remain current with USM, State of Maryland, and other contracts available for use by TU clients, to optimize available resources.
  • Independently interpret contract/acquisition law and requirements, representing the University in vendor negotiations as necessary to resolve issues and ensure best value. Resolve procurement issues between customers and suppliers, including difficult and complex contract modifications, disputes, claims and terminations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's Degree with at least two years of procurement related experience.
  • Knowledge of Maryland procurement statues/regulations, Uniform Commercial Code, Towson University and USM Procurement Policies and Procedures, and public-sector/higher education purchasing practices.
  • Skill in handling a variety of stakeholders, including campus customers, suppliers, elected/appointed officials, and the public. Skill in managing/resolving conflict and achieving consensus. Skill in technical writing, and public presentations--including persuasive writing/speaking.
  • Ability to organize large amounts of data, and to quickly grasp/assess a wide variety of markets and industries. Ability to be attentive to detail despite distractions/interruptions, to work under pressure, and manage competing priorities.
  • Ability to represent the University effectively in a variety of public settings, and to subordinate personal feelings/preferences to group goals.

Preferences
  • Two years' experience procuring information technology, IT consulting and services related procurement preferred.
  • Experience in higher-education or public-sector procurement strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits
Targeted salary range at $88,000 - $103,000 annually and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 15 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here . TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here .
This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your online application.

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