My LER

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

BuyerProcurement OfficialProcurement SpecialistPurchasing Agent

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeFormulate procurement strategies and contract terms by synthesizing technical specifications, budget constraints, and organizational objectives.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate supplier proposals and vendor qualifications using financial analysis and compliance standards to determine optimal purchasing decisions.
  • MindsetAdvocate for cost-effective procurement solutions while negotiating contracts with external suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • MindsetIntegrate organizational objectives with supplier capabilities when establishing long-term vendor partnerships under time and budget constraints.
  • KnowledgeAssess product quality, delivery timelines, and supplier performance metrics to ensure compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
  • MindsetReconcile competing demands between cost reduction and quality assurance when resolving conflicts with vendors or internal departments.
  • KnowledgeJustify purchasing decisions and budget allocations to senior management and cross-functional teams using data-driven analysis.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze market trends, pricing data, and supply chain risks to forecast material needs and optimize inventory levels.
  • KnowledgeApply enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and procurement software to process purchase orders, track deliveries, and manage financial resources.
  • KnowledgeCompare multiple supplier bids and product specifications applying knowledge of production processes, economics, and technical requirements.
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 AcrobatGoogle DocsIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordOracle DatabaseOracle PeopleSoftOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementSAP software

Technology Skills

Accounting softwareApple AppleWorksAssured Software JPPCPR International GeneralCOST EstimatorCPR Visual EstimatorChoice Job CostConstruction Management Software ProEstCorel QuattroPro

Tools & Equipment

10-key calculatorsDesktop computersLaptop computersLaser facsimile machinesMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersPersonal digital assistants PDAPhotocopying equipment