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Career Profile

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

What they do:

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 Called:

Buyer, Procurement Official, Procurement Specialist, Purchasing Administrator, Purchasing Agent, Buyer, Procurement Official, Procurement Specialist, Purchasing Administrator, Purchasing Agent

Typical Tasks

Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.
Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.
Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets.
Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.
Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Analytical Thinking
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Negotiation
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Speaking
Persuasion

Expected Knowledge

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

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.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 78%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 9%
  • High school diploma 9%
  • Associate's degree 4%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Procurement Clerks
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Purchasing Managers
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Logisticians

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.