Environment
Most buyers and purchasing agents work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
About this Career Path
Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
View More High-Demand JobsEnvironment
Most buyers and purchasing agents work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
Current Available & Projected Jobs
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
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Top Expected Tasks
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.
Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.
Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.
Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.
Formulate policies and procedures for bid proposals and procurement of goods and services.
Hire, train, or supervise purchasing clerks, buyers, and expediters.
Maintain and review computerized or manual records of purchased items, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.
Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Administration and Management
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
Mathematics
KNOWLEDGE
Economics and Accounting
SKILL
Negotiation
SKILL
Reading Comprehension
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Complex Problem Solving
SKILL
Speaking
ABILITY
Written Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Written Expression
ABILITY
Deductive Reasoning
Featured Job Opportunities
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products