Best Jobs for Purchasing Specialists

For those looking for jobs in the purchasing market, there are many opportunities cropping up, especially in the next decade. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that this job market segment is expected to grow 8 percent in the next decade, about as fast as the average.

Purchasing agents are responsible for buying products, durable and nondurable goods, and services for companies or individuals. They attempt to negotiate the lowest possible price for the product or service. Sometimes they ask for bids, or request for proposals, and then accept the most ideal bid after combing over each one thoroughly. A purchasing agent may review dozens of bids over the course of a year.

A purchasing jobs involves keeping abreast of the market and changes affecting the supply and demand of products and materials. They study sales records and inventory levels. They also examine foreign and domestic suppliers and choose the most relevant ones. They change suppliers if the need arises.

When considering a purchase, the purchasing agent takes into account price, quality, availability, reliability, and technical support. They always maintain a solid working knowledge of the goods or services provided so they can make the best decisions.

There are many different types of purchasing agents. Some are called wholesale buyers, and they purchase goods, electronics, clothing, and other items for resale. Purchasing agents buy things such as grain and tobacco for further processing and resale. Purchasing professionals work in government agencies and place solicitations for services and accept bids. Purchasing managers negotiate and supervise supply contracts.

Merchandise managers buy finished goods for resale and are employed by wholesale and retail establishments. These employees are also called buyers and serve as an integral part of a distribution system that caters to consumer needs.

Buyers are very important purchasing specialist jobs because they determine which products their company will sell. They essentially stock the shelves. So it is important that they have the ability to predict trends, wants, and desires.

Purchasing agents spend a lot of time evaluating suppliers so they don't make a mistake and purchase from the wrong supplier. They use many resources to find out all they can about suppliers, including the Internet, referrals, and trade journals. Purchasing professionals attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences to learn of new industry trends and make contacts with suppliers.

Before a purchasing agent submits an order, he or she participates in something called team buying. This involves other employees in the process. The team discusses the design of custom-made products with company design engineers, the problems involving the quality of purchased goods with production supervisors, or the issues in shipping with managers in the receiving department.

Purchasing agents typically work in well-lit, comfortable settings. They often work more than 40 hours a week, especially when deadlines are tight. Travel is necessary but not always a given.

Purchasing agents typically start off as purchasing clerks, buyers, junior buyers, or assistant buyers. Employers typically look for people who have knowledge of the product they are buying. A bachelor's degree is preferred.

According to the BLS, purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents held about 527,400 jobs in 2008. About 42 percent worked in the wholesale trade and manufacturing industries and another 10 percent worked in retail trade. The remainder worked mostly in service establishments, such as management of companies and enterprises or professional, scientific, and technical services.