Job Descriptions

Buyer Job Description

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

Job description of a Buyer

Buyers, also known as purchasing agents, are analyzers, negotiators and deal-makers. They research, evaluate and buy products for companies to either resell to customers or use in their everyday operations.

Buyers are the people who determine what products get to store shelves, in catalogues, and online. They do the footwork, the research and create the deals to buy large quantities of products for their companies, and then sell them to customers, or use them to create new materials that they then sell to customers.

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

Buyer Duties and Responsibilities

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

  • Research, select and purchase quality products and materials.
  • Build relationships with suppliers and negotiate with them for the best pricing.
  • Process requisitions and update management on status of orders.
  • Secure product samples, photos, and descriptions for departments
  • Review quotes and secures the most competitive bids
  • Purchase commodities and services to meet specialized or complex needs
  • Make purchase decisions in accordance with company procedures and regulations
  • Analyze purchase requisitions and review for accuracy and completion
  • Cultivate new sources for supplies and products
  • Identify and select vendors and suppliers using criteria such as quantity and quality of commodities, price, and delivery date
  • Update inventory and ensure that stock levels are kept at appropriate levels.
  • Arrange transport of goods and track orders to ensure timely delivery.
  • Analyze market trends and apply this knowledge to make insightful buying decisions.
  • Coordinate with inventory team, management, and stockroom as required.
  • Assess quality of stock received and escalate any discrepancies to suppliers and management.
  • Ability to travel.

Buyer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Buyer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in relevant field.
  • Relevant experience preferred.
  • Excellent computer skills (Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint).
  • Proficient in appropriate software.
  • Critical thinking and negotiation skills.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Occasional domestic and/or international travel.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Buyer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Buyer 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 Buyer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.