Buyer Job Description Template

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What is a Buyer?

Buyers, also known as Purchasing Agents or Procurement Officers, select and purchase supplies, raw materials, goods, products, and other merchandise to resell or use in their business.

They are responsible for negotiating prices and delivery and contract terms with vendors and suppliers, ensuring the quality of merchandise and timely delivery.

Buyers are also in charge of monitoring and updating inventory and evaluating the quality and popularity of products and goods they sell.

They also research and analyze market trends, identify customer preferences, and review financial statements and payments.

The Top Buyer Skills

Skill	Why it's important
Negotiation	Negotiation stands as a primary skill for Buyers. Negotiation is a form of tactical communication that helps Buyers reach an agreement with sellers and suppliers. Buyers with excellent negotiation skills are able to save money and close deals where both sides will be satisfied.
Communication	Similar to negotiation, communication is a key skill that ensures success for Buyers. Communication skills allow Buyers to interact with not only suppliers and vendors about the merchandise and conditions, but also with other company employees and superiors about sales goals, expectations, and other important details.
Product Knowledge	Based on the industry they work in, Buyers must possess strong knowledge of the products in question. This means understanding the features and benefits of products in order to make informed and careful decisions. Product knowledge also helps them distinguish quality products before purchasing.
Analytical	Analytical skills help Buyers in several ways in their work. Buyers must be able to analyze the company’s data, financial statements, and other information to make improvements and increase sales. Furthermore, analytical skills help them identify customer preferences and market trends, as well as research prospective suppliers and vendors.
Organization	Effective organization helps Buyers stay on track and remain focused when they have a lot going on. Being organized helps them keep track of inventory levels, deadlines, and deliveries. Also, Buyers must stay organized in order to keep track of contracts, files, reports, and other necessary paperwork.

Buyer Job Description Template (Free)

We are looking for an experienced Buyer to join our company. As our Buyer, your primary responsibility will be to identify and purchase quality products and merchandise for the company. This also means that you will be responsible for liaising and negotiating prices, timeframes, and contract terms with suppliers and vendors to achieve the best deals. Furthermore, you will review and identify best bids and proposals, ensure timely delivery of products and goods, and assess product samples to ensure quality.

Additionally, you will monitor and update inventory to ensure sufficient stock levels, analyze market trends and customer preferences, and write reports on sales and budgets. Your main goal will be to ensure that purchased products and goods meet the company’s needs, as well as to build strong business relationships with external parties.

You should have outstanding communication, negotiation, organization, and analytical skills.

Buyer Duties & Responsibilities:

Identify, select, and purchase goods, products, materials, and other merchandise from suppliers and vendors
Negotiate prices, timeframes, and contract and delivery terms
Review bids and proposals from contractors and suppliers to determine the best ones
Monitor and update inventory to ensure sufficient stock levels
Research and analyze market trends and customer preferences to make thorough buying decisions
Evaluate the quality and popularity of products and make changes and adjustments
Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and compliance with the contract of purchase
Review and analyze financial statements and payments
Create and update reports on sales, budgets, and customer satisfaction
Assess product samples or prototypes to ensure quality
Collaborate with other teams and departments to ensure satisfaction and productivity

Buyer Requirements:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, business administration, accounting, or a related field
CPPO/CPPB certificates preferred
At least 5 years of previous working experience in the relevant field
Proficient in computer skills and purchasing software
Commercial awareness and industry knowledge
Strong knowledge of market research techniques and data analysis
Exceptional negotiation and communication skills
Great organization and time management

Sample Interview Questions for a Buyer

Once you gather up all the received applications, you can use these sample interview questions for Buyer.

Personal

What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?
How would your friends briefly describe you?
If you weren’t a Buyer, what would you be?

Human Resources

How long have you been working in retail?
What makes you different than other applied candidates?
What do you think are the biggest challenges Buyers face today?

Management

How do you typically handle difficult suppliers?
Could you tell us about your most successful purchase so far?
What is your strategy to maintain long-lasting relationships with suppliers and vendors?

Technical Skills and Knowledge

How do you integrate customer feedback into your purchasing decisions?
What is your experience with inventory and purchasing software?
How do you research and identify prospective suppliers?

What are the Educational Requirements for a Buyer?

Buyers should at least have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, business administration, accounting, or a related field.

Moreover, candidates can further their knowledge and qualifications by earning industry-related certificates, such as the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB).

More importantly, aspiring Buyers should have a previous working experience in retail or merchandise in order to gain the necessary expertise and skills to ensure success.

How Much to Pay a Buyer when Hiring

Buyers earn between $25,500 and $74,500 per year.

Their median annual salary is $56,387.

Hourly wages go from $13 to $36.

The median hourly wage is $27.

Percentile	10%	25%	50% (Median)	75%	90%
Hourly Wage	$13	$22	$27	$31	$36
Annual Wage	$25,500	$46,000	$56,387	$65,000	$74,500

Frequently Asked Questions about Buyer

What are the other names for Buyers?

Buyers can also be known as Purchasing Agents or Procurement Officers.

What are two types of Buyers?

There are two main types of Buyers – Retail Buyers and Corporate Buyers.

Retail Buyers typically work for retail stores. They search for new products to purchase for the business to privately label or resell them.

Corporate Buyers also research and buy products for larger business needs and goals. Those products aim to increase business performance. They evaluate various products to ensure the highest quality.

Who do Buyers report to?

Buyers typically report to a Purchasing Manager or a Store Manager, depending on their workplace.

If a Buyer works on a team of Buyers, they would primarily report to the Purchasing Manager which is responsible for their performance.

On the other hand, Retail Buyers report to a Store Manager.

What skills make a successful Buyer?

A successful Buyer should have exquisite negotiation, communication, analytical, research, and organization skills.

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Job Description Template

What is a Buyer?

Related Job Titles for Buyer

The Top Buyer Skills

Buyer Job Description Template (Free)

Buyer Duties & Responsibilities:

Buyer Requirements:

Sample Interview Questions for a Buyer

Personal

Human Resources

Management

Technical Skills and Knowledge

What are the Educational Requirements for a Buyer?

How Much to Pay a Buyer when Hiring

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Frequently Asked Questions about Buyer

What are the other names for Buyers?

What are two types of Buyers?

Who do Buyers report to?

What skills make a successful Buyer?

Similar Job Descriptions as Buyer

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