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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Buyer, Procurement Official, Procurement Specialist, Purchasing Administrator, Purchasing Agent
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.
- Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.
- Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
- Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.
- Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
Technology Skills
- Accounting software:Accounting software,Choice Job Cost,Cost accounting software,CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator,Intuit QuickBooks
- Analytical or scientific software:Construction Management Software ProEst,QSM SLIM Suite,Resources Calculations Incorporated SoftCost,WinEstimator WinEst
- Business intelligence and data analysis software:IBM Cognos Impromptu,MicroStrategy
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software:Microsoft SharePoint
- Data base reporting software:Database reporting software,SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports,Software AG enterprise software
Occupational Requirements
Work 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.
- Analyzing Data or Information:Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization:Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze business or financial data.
- Analyze market conditions or trends.
- Conduct eligibility or selection interviews.
- Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.
- Develop business relationships.
Work Context
- Telephone:96% responded"Every day"
- Electronic Mail:96% responded"Every day"
- Face-to-Face Discussions:83% responded"Every day"
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:74% responded"Every day"
- Frequency of Decision Making:68% responded"Every day"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Negotiation:Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Economics and Accounting:Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 78%Bachelor's Degree
- 9%High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
- 9%Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Written Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Interests
- Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Enterprising:Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Work Values
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Work Styles
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Stress Tolerance:Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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