What does a purchasing agent do?
Purchasing agents generally negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, helping companies manage cash flow. They also assess suppliers before accepting their bids, reducing the risk of business disruptions associated with shipping delays or order cancellations. For example, purchasing agents may assess a supplier’s defect rates and on-time delivery metrics to determine whether they’re a good fit.
Purchasing agents may also help keep records related to product performance, which can demonstrate whether a supplier’s offerings meet expectations.
Purchasing agent skills and qualifications
Strong candidates often demonstrate negotiation, organizational and communication skills, which may be important for success in this role. Problem-solving and attention to detail are also valuable competencies that set ideal candidates apart.
Other skills that may be required for the job may include:
- Understanding the flow of goods and services through a business
- Ability to negotiate and secure favorable payment terms from vendors
- Proficiency in managing budgets and performing cost-benefit analysis (CBA)
- Competence in managing vendor contracts
- Knowledge of procurement trends, such as sustainability
Purchasing agent experience requirements
If your company follows a skills-first hiring strategy, you may want to prioritize critical thinking, attention to detail and strong communication skills. Candidates can develop these soft skills in related roles.
Consider emphasizing transferable skills in your purchasing agent job descriptions. For example, successful candidates may have negotiation skills from their prior experience as a sales director or inside sales representative.
Purchasing agent education and training requirements
Candidates can typically become purchasing agents without formal education, making this role a good fit for a skills-first hiring approach. Purchasing agents can typically learn the required software on the job, or some candidates may have experienced it in former roles.
If you’re hiring someone to negotiate major contracts, you may search for candidates certified by the American Purchasing Society (APS).
Purchasing agent salary expectations
Compensation for a purchasing agent varies based on experience, company size, location and industry. Find current salary data for purchasing agent roles on Indeed Salaries.
Purchasing agent salary expectations
-
Common salary:
66667.86 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
24000.00 -130000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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