HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single pathway for this occupation, and requirements can vary by employer and workplace. In many cases, employers look for a college or university education, along with knowledge of purchasing, supply chains, or the business side of the organization. Some jobs may also value related certification. Experience can matter a lot, especially for more senior roles. Students interested in this career can prepare by taking business, math, communication, and computer courses, and by building strong research and teamwork skills. Learning about procurement software and how organizations buy goods and services can also be helpful. People often move into this work after gaining experience in office, supply, shipping, or materials roles.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Purchase general and specialized equipment, materials or business services for use or for further processing by their establishment
- Assess requirements of an establishment and develop specifications for equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased
- Invite tenders, consult with suppliers and review quotations
- Determine or negotiate contract terms and conditions, award supplier contracts or recommend contract awards
- Establish delivery schedules, monitor progress and contact clients and suppliers to resolve problems
- May hire, train or supervise purchasing clerks.
- Purchasing agents and officers may specialize in the purchase of particular materials or business services such as furniture or office equipment.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with checking emails, purchase requests, and supplier updates. The purchasing agent or officer might compare prices, review quotes, and make sure requests match the organization’s specifications and budget. During the day, they may speak with suppliers, ask questions about delivery times, and follow up on orders that are late or incomplete. They could prepare documents for tenders or contract decisions, update records in purchasing software, and coordinate with staff in other departments to solve supply problems. If a workplace uses automated systems, they may also review data and reports to spot issues or improve purchasing steps. The job often mixes desk work, phone calls, and problem-solving.
SKILLS TO BUILD