Job Description for a Purchasing Agent
Purchasing agents are professional buyers that are responsible for acquiring the equipment, supplies and/or services that an organization requires at the lowest price possible. These agents, commonly known as buyers, are an essential part of an organization's supply chain because they ensure that the organization can obtain everything it needs without wasting its resources.
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Responsibilities
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Purchasing agents analyze sales records, check inventory levels, look for changes in the market that may affect the availability or price of supplies, and identify suppliers that may provide supplies at a low cost.
Education/Training
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Most employers require their purchasing agents to have a degree in business, economics, engineering or a related field (Bachelor's degree or higher), but a purchasing agent with a Master's degree will have additional opportunities.
Salary
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Purchasing agents typically earn between $26,000 and $89,000 a year with most agents earning between $34,000 and $64,000 (according to a 2006 study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Career Development
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Purchasing agents may advance to assistant purchasing managers, directors of materials management, logistics managers, supply managers and other similar positions with the appropriate certifications, education and/or experience.
Work Locations
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Purchasing agents may work in corporate offices, large farms, government offices, manufacturing facilities, retail offices, warehouses, wholesale offices and other similar locations.
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