Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
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.
SOC: 13-1023.00
Common Job Titles
- Buyer
- Procurement Official
- Procurement Specialist
- Purchasing Agent
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeFormulate procurement strategies and contract terms by synthesizing technical specifications, budget constraints, and organizational objectives.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate supplier proposals and vendor qualifications using financial analysis and compliance standards to determine optimal purchasing decisions.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for cost-effective procurement solutions while negotiating contracts with external suppliers and internal stakeholders.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate organizational objectives with supplier capabilities when establishing long-term vendor partnerships under time and budget constraints.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess product quality, delivery timelines, and supplier performance metrics to ensure compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.Proficient
- MindsetReconcile competing demands between cost reduction and quality assurance when resolving conflicts with vendors or internal departments.Proficient
- KnowledgeJustify purchasing decisions and budget allocations to senior management and cross-functional teams using data-driven analysis.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze market trends, pricing data, and supply chain risks to forecast material needs and optimize inventory levels.Developing
- KnowledgeApply enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and procurement software to process purchase orders, track deliveries, and manage financial resources.Developing
- KnowledgeCompare multiple supplier bids and product specifications applying knowledge of production processes, economics, and technical requirements.Developing
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- English Language4.1/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Economics and Accounting3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Google Docs
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Accounting software
- Apple AppleWorks
- Assured Software JPP
- CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator
- CPR Visual Estimator
- Choice Job Cost
- Construction Management Software ProEst
- Corel QuattroPro
Tools & Equipment
- 10-key calculators
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Laser facsimile machines
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Photocopying equipment