PURCHASER  |  BUYER

CORE DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Purchasing raw materials, goods, services and finished products or business services based on the specifications and production requirements of the organization.

• Assessing the requirements of the organization and to develop specifications for the items or services required.

• If applicable, the invitation of tenders, interviewing, and research of suppliers and commodities; and the presentation and review of quotations with the Senior Buyer and/or Supervisor.

• The investigation of favourable contract terms and conditions and a recommendation put forward for the awarding of contracts.

• Actual preparing of requisition orders to buy replenishment stock, equipment and/or services; and the arrangement of delivery.

• Inventory, production and planning duties may also apply and could include:

• Monitoring inventory levels as raw materials, equipment, and stock issued, distributed, transferred within or outside the organization and/or disposed.

• Compiling of inventory reports - detailing the quantity, type and value of materials, equipment and other stock on hand. Both manual and computerized inventory control and stocking taking methods may be used.

• Maintenance of records and details on stock rotation, obsolescent and dangerous goods and disposition of outdated or aged stock.

• Preparation, maintenance, and reporting to management on: progress of work, materials used, rates of production and other information.

• The reconciliation of inventories on record versus actual physical counts.

• Good communications skills including oral, written and listening ability.

• Ability and openness to learning the requirements and processes of organizations, to purchase raw materials, goods, equipment, business services, etc.

• Ability to respond to needs and requests of others in a helping and supportive way.

• Good mathematical skills required to determine stock requirements and prepare reports.

• Computer literacy and hands on ability, with appreciation toward keeping up with new software and technologies which affect their job.

• Social skills required to work with other people including internal clients from other areas within the organization, and outside suppliers to determine needs and/or resolve issues or problems.

• Good organizational skills required to compile, accumulated, and utilize information.

• Completion of secondary school is a minimum requirement along with practical hands on experience as a Purchasing or Inventory Clerk, Junior Buyer, etc.

• Additional in house on the job training or post secondary job related purchasing courses is essential to further progress within the organization and sector.

• Computer literacy along with hands on ability with various computerized buying, planning, and/or inventory systems is highly recommended.

• Enrollment in and credits toward a Purchasing Certificate from the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (P.M.A.C.) is recommended.