Purchasing managers, buyers,
and purchasing agents
have two major goals:
to buy goods
their company can sell at a profit,
and to increase their customer base
by offering products that consumers want.
Purchasing agents buy items
that support an organization’s operation,
such as chemicals or industrial equipment
for a manufacturer.
Buyers purchase goods for
resale to consumers,
such as clothing or electronics.
Purchasing managers oversee
the work of buyers and agents,
and handle more complex tasks.
The most challenging part of the job
is predicting which items will be popular,
and which might end up
left unsold in a warehouse
or hanging on a store’s markdown racks
which takes a combination of
good planning, decisiveness,
and the confidence to trust their intuition.
Buyers and purchasers
research industry trends, study past sales,
and listen to customer feedback
to identify buying patterns.
They carefully select product suppliers
that will meet the quality, cost,
and delivery date promised.
Most buyers, purchasing agents,
and managers work in offices full time,
with some travel to see suppliers.
Overtime is common.
The largest employers of these positions
are in the manufacturing industry,
wholesale and retail trade,
and the federal government.
Buyers and purchasing agents
often need a bachelor’s degree
and related experience,
though a high school diploma suffices
for some positions.
Purchasing managers usually have
at least a bachelor’s degree,
and several years’ work experience
as a buyer or purchasing agent.