Buyer Duties & Responsibilities
The role and function of a Buyer includes the following duties and responsibilities:
- 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.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Buyer duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Buyer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.