Job Descriptions

Purchasing Officer Job Description

What is the job description of a Purchasing Officer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Purchasing Officer? What does a Purchasing Officer do?

Job description of a Purchasing Officer

Purchasing Officers buy products for organizations to use or resell. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and review product quality.

This Purchasing Officer job description example includes the list of most important Purchasing Officer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Purchasing Officer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Purchasing Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Purchasing Officer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, and delivery speed
  • Interview vendors and visit suppliers’ plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices
  • Attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences to learn about new industry trends and make contacts with suppliers
  • Maintain and review records of items bought, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories
  • Work out agreements with suppliers, such as when products will be delivered
  • Meet with staff and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action
  • Evaluate and monitor contracts to be sure that vendors and supplies comply with the terms and conditions of the contract and to determine the need for changes
  • Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other information to determine reasonable prices
  • Negotiate contracts on behalf of their organization

Purchasing Officer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Purchasing Officer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in finance, business, logistics, or supply management
  • Proven work experience as a Purchasing Officer, Purchasing Agent or similar role
  • Good knowledge of vendor sourcing practices (researching, evaluating and liaising with vendors
  • Good understanding of the foundational principles of logistics
  • Excellent communicator
  • Excellent negotiation skills
  • Solid analytical skills, with the ability to create financial reports and conduct cost analyses

  • Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and Inventory management software

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Purchasing Officer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Purchasing Officer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Purchasing Officer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.