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Purchasing Agent

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What is a Purchasing Agent?

Purchasing Agent Definition Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semi-finished materials for manufacturing.

A Day in the Life of a Purchasing Agent

  • Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier’s reputation and history.
  • Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions, and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments.
  • Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.
  • Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets.
  • 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.

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Purchasing Agent Skills

When polled, Purchasing Agents say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Management of Financial Resources: Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

Types of Purchasing Agent

  • Equipment, Supplies, and Tools Purchasing Agent
  • Fuel Agent
  • Traveling Buyer
  • Purchasing Agent
  • Timber Buyer

Job Opportunities for Purchasing Agents

There were about 309,400 jobs for Purchasing Agent in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Purchasing Agent. There will be an estimated 23,800 positions for Purchasing Agent per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Purchasing Agent are Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What Tools & Technology do Purchasing Agents Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Purchasing Agents may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Data entry software
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Project
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • IBM Notes
  • Google Docs
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne

How to Become a Purchasing Agent

What education is needed to be a Purchasing Agent?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Purchasing Agent?

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Those interested in being a Purchasing Agent may also be interested in:

Those who work as a Purchasing Agent sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Nick Nijhuis via Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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