Delve into the fundamental qualifications, critical tasks, primary responsibilities, and essential skills that should be highlighted in a detailed Purchasing Specialist job description.
What does a Purchasing Specialist do?
A purchasing specialist, also known as a procurement specialist, is responsible for obtaining a company's supplies. They research and find potential suppliers, evaluate their offerings based on business criteria and product specifications, and negotiate purchase agreements.
Job Description
We are seeking a motivated purchasing specialist to oversee our company's procurement activities. The role involves finding new suppliers, ensuring that purchased products meet technical standards, negotiating purchase terms, and managing supplier performance. Timely deliveries and resolving supply issues are also part of the job.
To succeed as a purchasing specialist, you should be able to create efficient procurement solutions and assist senior management in developing and implementing sourcing strategies. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, analytical thinking, and a knowledge of purchasing strategies are essential.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Research and identify potential suppliers.
- Communicate with internal teams and maintain good relationships with suppliers.
- Evaluate products and suppliers based on business criteria.
- Create proposals, request quotes, and negotiate purchase terms.
- Issue purchase orders and agreements.
- Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues.
- Inspect and evaluate the quality of purchased items.
- Analyze industry trends and support senior management in sourcing strategies.
- Prepare reports and maintain accurate records.
- Follow company policies, procedures, and regulations.
Requirements and Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- At least 2 years of experience as a purchasing specialist or in a similar role.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or related field preferred.
- CPM or APICS certification preferred.
- Knowledge of purchasing strategies.
- Effective communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and business software.
- Team player with excellent organizational skills.
Purchasing Specialist Salary
The earning potential of a Purchasing Specialist can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, industry, professional experience, educational background, and the specific employer. On average, the annual salary for an Purchasing Specialist in the United States is approximately $75165.
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