Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Human Advantage 77%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.3 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
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.
Also Known As: Buyer, Contract Administrator, Contract Analyst, Contract Specialist, Contractor Buyer, Contracts Administrator, Contracts Analyst, Contracts Specialist +34 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.
- Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and resolve problems related to undelivered goods.
- Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies.
- Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased.
- Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and Internet sites and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services.
- Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets.
- Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.
- Arrange the payment of duty and freight charges.
- Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions, and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments.
Education & Training
Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (58)
Tools & Equipment (10)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Purchasing & Warehousing Supply Chain & Transportation
Zone 4
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products You are here
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Zone 2
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Zone 4
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products You are here
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