Buyer and Purchasing Role : Job Description

EXAMPLES OF JOB TITLES

  • Head buyer
  • Senior buyer
  • Assistant buyer
  • Buyer

DESCRIPTION

As indicated by its name, the purchasing department handles the purchase of merchandise and raw materials for a store or a business, based on the financial and logistical resources available to it and on company policy. It is in charge of seeking out suppliers that will be able to effectively meet cost, margin and timely delivery requirements. Buyers then negotiate product purchase conditions, price and quality. They control the proper supply of products based on inventory levels.

  • On a day-to-day basis, buyers handle the following duties:
  • Planning the restocking of products depending on inventory level and seasonal demand
  • Analyzing the company’s requirements and determining the quantity of merchandise to buy
  • Meeting suppliers and negotiating with them
  • Formalizing the purchase of merchandise
  • Analyzing sales reports and proposing actions to undertake
  • Going on buying trips to find suppliers

WHAT THE PROS SAY

“BUYER: CHOICE AND NEGOTIATION ON THE PROGRAM”
– DIANE DUPUIS, BUYER, ANDRÉ VIAU

Diane Dupuis is a buyer for André Viau, a carpet store. Based in the U.S. and Canada, the company’s main suppliers come directly to the store to present their products. Private importers travel in Europe, Asia and the Middle East to buy the collections from which Diane makes selections for the store and specific customer requests. “It’s quite enjoyable to help customers with their decorating choices; we’re selling a bit of happiness,”  she explains.

“Twice a year, a carpet supplier fair is held in Atlanta and Las Vegas. Our buyer goes to at least one of them each year, to check out what’s new on the market.”

Negotiation is also an important part of the job. Suppliers and buyers have to agree on the products, quantities and especially on price.

“To do this job well, you have to know the market, the products, your customers, be able to negotiate and have an eye for aesthetics. I think you also have to be objective, because we have to put ourselves in the customer’s shoes: sometimes we don’t personally like the products.” Being open minded is therefore one of the keys in this job that allows you to travel while staying at home.

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