Job Description
Buyers buy goods and services for use or resale on behalf of industrial, commercial, government or other establishments and organizations.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
Tasks include -
(a) determining or negotiating contract terms and conditions, awarding supplier contracts or recommending contract awards for the purchase of equipment, raw materials, products, services and merchandise for resale;
(b) obtaining information about requirements and stock and developing specifications for quantity and quality to be purchased, costs, delivery dates and other contract conditions;
(c) purchasing general and specialized equipment, materials or business services for use or for further processing by their establishment;
(d) inviting tenders, consulting with suppliers and reviewing quotations;
(e) purchasing merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale establishments;
(f) studying market reports, trade periodicals and sales promotion materials and visiting trade shows, showrooms, factories and product design events;
(g) selecting the merchandise or products that best fit the establishment's requirements;
(h) interviewing suppliers and negotiating prices, discounts, credit terms and transportation arrangements;
(i) overseeing distribution of merchandise to outlets and maintaining adequate stock levels;
(j) establishing delivery schedules, monitoring progress and contacting clients and suppliers to resolve problems.
