Buyer

Buyer Job Description

Purchases materials or other goods and/or coordinates activities involved with procuring products and services, such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and advertising, for establishment. Receives and reviews requisitions requesting goods or services. Interviews and confers with vendors to obtain product or service information, such as price, availability, and delivery schedule. Selects products for purchase by testing, observing, or examining items. Expedites orders and requests as needed. Responsibilities are those of a professional level and typically require a four-year degree in business/purchasing. Excluded are paraprofessional buyers.: Estimates values according to knowledge of market price. Determines method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid. Prepares purchase orders or bid requests. Reviews bid proposals and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority. Maintains procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories. Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action. Keeps abreast of market trends, changes in business practices in the assigned markets, new or altered types of materials entering the market, etc. May work with manufacturers or persuade potential vendors to undertake the manufacturing of custom-designed items according to user's specific needs and specifications. May approve invoices for payment. May expedite delivery of goods to users. (Source: eDOT Job Description)