Buyer
On this page
- What's it like to be a Buyer?
- How to become a Buyer
- Latest Buyer jobs
- Top skills and experience for Buyers
What's it like to be a Buyer?
Buyers purchase and keep track of stock and supplies for a company. They're tasked with procuring goods and services and discussing terms of purchase with vendors. Since Buyers manage inventory and stock, they need to be skilled in tools such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. They typically need strong communication and research skills to succeed in this role. As Buyers review the products or services of a supplier, they need to do research to learn market demand and pricing. Buyers also prepare reports for management and work with new and existing vendors to nurture relationships.
Tasks and duties
- Selecting products or goods to be purchased or sold.
- Tracking a company’s inventory of goods.
- Sending invoices to suppliers and monitoring the delivery of goods and services.
- Ordering from suppliers to replenish the organisation’s stocks.
- Looking into potential suppliers and vendors and analysing their bids.
- Negotiating terms with vendors.
- Coordinating with staff to store products and supplies.
How to become a Buyer
Requirements to become a Buyer depend on the industry and the organisation. Companies usually look for job seekers with a qualification and experience.
Consider completing a degree in business, logistics, supply chain management or a similar field.
Gain experience in a purchasing or procurement team. You could start in an entry-level or volunteering position. If you’re set on working in a specific industry, use this time to also find out what you need to move into that field such as additional studies or a certification.
