Purchasing Agent Job Description

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

Job description of a Purchasing Agent

Purchasing agents buy materials, goods, and services that companies require for daily operations, manufacturing, or to be resold at a profit.

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

Purchasing Agent Duties and Responsibilities

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

  • Develop profitable purchasing strategies
  • Assess supplier profiles and analyze offers
  • Prepare and implement effective negotiation tactics
  • Prepare and submit detailed reports (revenues, buying expenditures etc.)
  • Keep updated records
  • Attend events, fairs and exhibitions to keep abreast of the market’s trends
  • Manage relationships with key suppliers to maintain quality of goods, timely delivery and compliance to terms of contracts
  • Review supplies to ensure quality
  • Monitor stock levels

Purchasing Agent Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

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

  • B.Sc/BA in business administration or relevant field;
  • M.Sc/MA will be considered a plus
  • Proven experience as a purchasing agent or relevant role
  • Working knowledge of MS Office and purchasing software (e.g. SpendMap)
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • A strong analytical mindset
  • Outstanding organizational skills
  • Demonstrable experience in negotiating prices and terms and conditions
  • Knowledge of market research, data analysis and purchasing best practices

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