Purchasing Agent Jobs in Columbia, SC

A Purchasing Agent in the manufacturing industry is responsible for procuring the necessary materials, supplies, and equipment required for the production process. They work closely with suppliers, negotiating contracts, evaluating product quality and ensuring timely delivery. They also analyze market trends, oversee inventory levels, and develop procurement strategies that support the business's operations and overall objectives. To minimize costs and risks, these professionals need to have a good understanding of the company's needs and the supply market conditions.

Essential skills for a Purchasing Agent include excellent negotiation and communication abilities, strong analytical thinking, and proficiency in procurement software. Familiarity with supply chain procedures and quality assurance is also pivotal. A degree in Business Administration or a related field is generally expected, and certifications such as Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) can enhance career prospects. Potential prior roles en route to becoming a Purchasing Agent could include Procurement Clerk, Inventory Analyst, or Junior Buyer.

1-9 of 9 Jobs

Procurement Analyst

  • Columbia, SC
  • 9 hours ago
  • Columbia, SC
  • 9 hours ago

They are responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods, services, or raw materials from vendors and suppliers....

Global Commodity Manager

  • West Columbia, SC (2 miles from Columbia, SC)
  • 6 days ago
  • West Columbia, SC (2 miles from Columbia, SC)
  • 6 days ago

Company Description Harsco is recognized for technical leadership and worldwide experience in virtually all major aspects of railway track maintenance. We enable railroads to operate at peak...

Merchandise Manager

  • Columbia, SC
  • 10 days ago
  • Columbia, SC
  • 10 days ago

OVERVIEW Experience a place of energy, passion, and excitement. A place where the joy of discovery and uncommon artistry blend to create exhilarating buying experiences—for true beauty...

Procurement Analyst

  • West Columbia, SC (2 miles from Columbia, SC)
  • 14 days ago
  • West Columbia, SC (2 miles from Columbia, SC)
  • 14 days ago

Material Management Full Time Day Shift 7:30a-4:00p M-T, 7:15a-3:45p F Consistently named best hospital, Lexington Medical Center dedicates itself to providing quality health services that meet...

Supply Chain Analyst (BD, Proposals, Capture)

  • Columbia, SC
  • 14 days ago
  • Columbia, SC
  • 14 days ago

Amentum seeks a GSCM Strategy and Growth Analyst!** **Amentum** is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to...

Procurement Coordinator-CONTRACTOR

  • Columbia, SC
  • 18 days ago
  • Columbia, SC
  • 18 days ago

Procurement Coordinator-CONTRACTOR TRIMEDX remote work United States, South Carolina, Columbia Jun 11, 2025 If you are wondering what makes TRIMEDX different, it's that all of our associates share...

Supply Chain Analyst

  • Columbia, SC
  • 21 days ago
  • Columbia, SC
  • 21 days ago

Job Posting Start Date 06-11-2025 Job Posting End Date 08-11-2025Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative...

Global Sourcing Specialist

  • West Columbia, SC (2 miles from Columbia, SC)
  • 30+ days ago
  • West Columbia, SC (2 miles from Columbia, SC)
  • 30+ days ago

Company Description Harsco is recognized for technical leadership and worldwide experience in virtually all major aspects of railway track maintenance. We enable railroads to operate at peak...

REMOTE Vendor Management Specialist I, CMS

  • Columbia, SC
  • 30+ days ago
  • Columbia, SC
  • 30+ days ago

Come join our amazing team and work remote from home!** The Vendor Management Specialist I will be responsible for providing ongoing oversight of an existing network of third-party service...

Remote Work

Demographic Data for Columbia, SC

Moving to Columbia, SC? Find some basic demographic data about Columbia, SC below.


Local
National
344,350
9,086
Large

Purchasing Agent Online Courses and Training Opportunities

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Purchase management
On this online course you will find all necessary tools o correctly plan demand, and you will acquire knowledge for forecasting, strategic sourcing, management and provider evaluation. For a...
The School for Change Agents
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AI Agents with LangChain and LangGraph Course
This course explores the use of LangChain and LangGraph for building advanced AI agent systems. It introduces learners to graph theory, state machines, and agentic systems, enabling them to build...

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Salary for Purchasing Agent Jobs in Columbia, SC

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireManufacturing research efforts.

Highest Education Level

Purchasing Agents in Columbia, SC offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
40.7%
High School or GED
18.2%
Master's Degree
16.4%
Associate's Degree
11.5%
Vocational Degree or Certification
10.1%
Some College
2.0%
Doctorate Degree
0.6%
Some High School
0.5%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Purchasing Agents in Columbia, SC
4-6 years
45.4%
2-4 years
27.3%
6-8 years
9.1%
None
9.1%
1-2 years
4.6%
10+ years
4.6%