Buyer Job Description

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Buyer Job Description

Job descriptions
Retail and Consumer Products

Job summary 1

Under limited supervision, the Buyer will procure materials, equipment, and maintenance supplies. This individual is also responsible for procuring supplies, raw materials, equipment, and services necessary for the operation of the organization. Following established procedures, practices, and policies to obtain quotations, evaluate proposals, award purchase orders, and expedite delivery of goods and services will be requirements of this role.

Duties & Responsibilities 1

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Spending time planning, scheduling, and monitoring materials in production
Planning material requirements to support inventory and sourcing objectives.
Collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and vendors to identify and realize improvements in quality, delivery, and price is essential.
Providing input to management regarding problems such as shortages, design changes, backlogs, and the like will be a top priority in this role.
- Assisting in developing and improving materials management procedures and continuously working toward developing an improved supplier base.
- Conducting internal and vendor audits is also a part of this role.
- Other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Requirements & Skills 1

Knowledge of purchasing practices including methods of establishing costs, selling prices, terms and general knowledge of business law relative to procurement practices, and inventory management is a must in this Buyer position.
this individual must have the ability to analyze Bills of Materials, Master Schedules, Excess, and Obsolete Inventory Reports to collect, analyze and summarize information and trends.
Knowledge of materials and sources of supply to make purchases at a price consistent with quality and quantity is also a must.
Proficient in MS Office software and ERP systems.
- Minimal travel is required for this position.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field from an accredited institution is required.
- 3+ years equivalent experience in purchasing.

Job summary 2

The Buyer is responsible for purchasing a variety of equipment, supplies, and services utilizing computerized systems. He/she understands inventory control to minimize stock and non-stock orders. Demonstrates proficiency in Excel. Communicates with vendors regarding requirements, discrepancies, pricing, substitutes, and backorders. Prioritizes duties for optimum productivity. Processes and organizes purchase orders, invoices, and receiving documents for Accounts Payable. Duties include; meeting with user departments regarding purchase requirements, developing and maintaining sources of supply, selecting suppliers, negotiating prices and delivery dates, approving purchase requisitions/orders, and following up on purchases about the delivery dates, discrepancies, and backorder situations. Prepares tender documents for various supplies, services, and equipment utilizing Microsoft Office. Provides input into the development of policies and procedures, arranges for the disposal of obsolete equipment, and maintains purchasing-related files and records including up-to-date catalogs and price lists.

Duties & Responsibilities 2

Responsible for developing daily orders.
Reviews and evaluates appropriate vendor selections for “stock” and “non-stock” purchasing.
Interacts with sales representatives in product evaluation and selection.
Ensures the use of Contract Agreements, also updates manuals as needed.
- Assist with daily receipts and issue as needed.
- Efficiently uses computerized systems to effectively perform assigned duties.
- Perform all other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements & Skills 2

Proficient in understanding and implementing inventory control systems.
1-year experience as a Buyer preferred
Knowledge of the acquisition of equipment, supplies, and policies and procedures.
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
Strong planning and organization, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
- Must demonstrate analytical, mathematical, decision-making, and negotiating skills.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills
- Strong computer skills (MS Office)

Job summary 3

The Buyer has the responsibility and authority for the procurement of all project-related materials as requested by the assigned project personnel. This person will be locating and procuring materials at the lowest installed cost that will meet the project requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities 3

Prepare, distribute, and evaluate quotations completed by various vendors as a prerequisite to initiating a formal purchase order
Ensuring information on purchase orders is correct, complete, and accurately reflects the specific requirements of the material requisition
Contact vendors to follow up on the status and/or backorders when requested.
Selecting vendors that will provide the best value based on price and past proven performance
Completing and maintaining appropriate documents, logs, and correspondence that support the procurement function
Obtaining sufficient information on products to assist in the submittal preparation process
- Update and maintain current market pricing of standard project-related materials for both purchasing and estimating personnel
- Input purchase order information into Vista (Viewpoint) and VCM
- Provide purchase order numbers and Master Subcontract Agreement Work Order Authorizations for project and field personnel when requested

Requirements & Skills 3

Extremely high level of ethics when conducting purchasing transactions
Ability to effectively respond to a wide range of urgent requests and changes regularly
Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, products representatives, project and job site staff, and office personnel
- Ability to work in a fast-paced office with changing demands and aggressive time deadlines
- Bachelor's degree
- Viewpoint/Vista

Job summary 4

The Buyer executes/generates compliant purchase orders based on approved requisitions, requests for proposals, bids, and other similar and necessary documents related to the purchasing of services and materials.

Duties & Responsibilities 4

Requirements & Skills 4

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and 2+ years of experience in Purchasing
Ability to understand part specs and read blueprints
Ability to understand and adhere to all laws about procurement, contracts, breach by contract, etc.
Knowledge of price and cost analysis
- Good negotiating skills
- Experience with E-commerce procurement
- Experience with Global Procurement and Trade Compliance requirements

Job summary 5

The Buyer is responsible for negotiating contractual arrangements and purchasing specific supplies and equipment at the most favorable prices consistent with purchasing guidelines.

Duties & Responsibilities 5

Negotiates contracts with vendors.
Obtains from vendor representatives, information about product price, the ability of the vendor to provide products, and delivery date.
Evaluate competitive quotes and bids considering the cost of items, delivery time, and reliability of vendors.
Determines the most advantageous method of purchasing and the most economical quantity of items to be purchased.
Purchases specified categories of supplies and/or equipment by guidelines.
- Issues Buyer’s Purchasing orders and Contracts for routine items.
- Responds to Accounts Payable follow-ups.
- Contact vendors to resolve discrepancies in shipments, invoices, and purchase orders, and issues change orders when necessary.

Requirements & Skills 5

High School graduate with four (4) years of experience in the purchasing field.
Related degree preferred.

Job summary 6

Ensure that purchase goods, materials, and services, and company operational needs are met, taking into account price, quality, and delivery and ensuring continuity of supply. You will hold responsibility for a specific project/region/business. You will deliver tactical activities of purchasing goods and services off of defined contracts with stated terms and conditions.

Duties & Responsibilities 6

Deliver on customer needs
Conduct competitive bid
Identify cost reduction opportunities
Review and monitor purchase requisitions
Manage supplier communication
Understand market trends
- Deal with invoice discrepancies
- Ensure compliance with strategic procurement
- Project Management

Requirements & Skills 6

Bachelor Degree
2+ years of Buyer experience

Job summary 7

The incumbent in this position is responsible for procuring goods and services, including warehouse inventory items, direct receiving items, and special project purchases; exercises buying responsibilities and judgment based on the best value, considering quantity, quality, and service.

Duties & Responsibilities 7

Review requisitions, contact vendors, and purchase goods based upon agreed-upon price, quantity, and quality, ensuring timely procurement of goods at price/value to meet the needs of client departments.
Communicate and coordinate with user departments to understand needs, and anticipate and resolve issues, ensuring customer satisfaction and that purchasing services meet the needs of the organization.
Review bids for all major purchases to ensure securing the most advantageous deal regarding price, quantity, quality, service level, and delivery schedule.
- Research and communicate with existing and potential vendors to cultivate working relationships and develop the most advantageous price and service agreements.
- Review inventory (such as office supplies and certain food items) and place orders to maintain par levels of inventory which best meet users’ requirements.
- Work with vendors to resolve discrepancies, return items, and coordinate delivery schedules to ensure timely delivery of a quality product that meets the user department's needs.

Requirements & Skills 7

Effective communication skills
- A high school education or the equivalent
- Minimum of two years purchasing experience
- A college degree in business administration or closely related field

Job summary 8

The Buyer will interact with all business units within the organization ensuring cost, schedule, and vendor performance management.

Duties & Responsibilities 8

Reviews and analyzes purchase requisitions.
Works independently to monitor the cost, schedule, and performance of vendor POs and communicate with vendors to address issues.
Coordinates purchasing activities with manufacturing, planning, and engineering departments to acquire inventory in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Processes purchase requisitions, purchase change orders, and requests for quotes to suppliers for assigned commodities.
Responsible for procurement business system data input and integrity. Develops reports to increase visibility and streamline purchasing, accounting, and audit processes.
Leads improvement projects often comprised of multi-level, cross-functional teams.
- Makes independent decisions as to project implementation, testing, monitoring, and assignment of action items among other things.
- Participates in maximizing the procurement teams’ changes, part parameters; quote table maintenance, supplier database information, error report analysis, and part number/supplier code information.
- Performs cost analysis and volume planning for assigned commodities (e.g., materials, components, equipment, and services).

Requirements & Skills 8

Education: BS – Accounting or Administration
Years’ Experience: 10+ years
Purchasing / Buyer experience required
Ability to work independently and as a team player
Good communicator verbal and written
- Organized
- Familiar with international shipping and customs requirements required
- Must pass a criminal background check and credit check

Job summary 9

We are looking for a qualified Buyer who has experience with SAP and purchasing commodities.

Duties & Responsibilities 9

Manufacturing background and will be purchasing commodities.
- Documentation within SAP
- Experience speaking with suppliers
- Understand managing of inventory

Requirements & Skills 9

To be successful in this role, a related technical degree or equivalent years of experience is required.
Experience with SAP
- Ability to listen and follow directions
- As with any of our employees, our Buyers are expected to carry themselves professionally, maintain positive interactions with both co-workers and customers and have an upbeat, can-do attitude.
- A passion for your work is a must

Job summary 10

We are looking for a Buyer to join our team.

Duties & Responsibilities 10

Monitoring inventory
- Planning purchases
- Meeting budget requirements
- Displaying excellent customer service skills

Requirements & Skills 10

Frequently asked questions

What is the job description of a buyer?

A buyer is responsible for purchasing goods or services for a company or organization, to meet operational or strategic objectives. Some of the key duties of a buyer may include:

Researching potential vendors or suppliers and evaluating their products or services

Negotiating prices, contracts, and terms with vendors or suppliers

Managing the procurement process, from requisition to delivery and payment

Monitoring inventory levels and forecasting demand to ensure adequate supply

Maintaining relationships with vendors or suppliers and addressing any issues or concerns

Collaborating with other departments or stakeholders to understand their purchasing needs and priorities

Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in procurement.

What are the skills of a buyer?

The skills required to be a successful buyer may include:

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate vendors, products, and pricing

Negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and contracts

Communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with vendors and collaborate with other departments or stakeholders

Attention to detail and accuracy in managing procurement processes and documentation

Organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and projects

Financial acumen to understand budgets and cost structures

Knowledge of procurement regulations and best practices

Adaptability and flexibility to changing circumstances or market conditions.

Olivia Powell
Recruiting expert

Last updated Sep 30

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Buyer Job Description

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Frequently asked questions

What is the job description of a buyer?

What are the skills of a buyer?

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