Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agents buy raw materials for an OSW company. After the Purchasing Agent receives the materials list and schematics from an engineer, they begin contacting current vendor partners and researching new suppliers to gain a full understanding of costs, delivery times, and products. The Purchasing Agent finds the best options for the company, performs negotiations, and drafts a contract with the vendor to ensure the materials will arrive in time for production.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Purchasing Agents buy products and services for the company to use during production of clean energy products or resale to a vendor. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts and prices, and review the quality of products and materials for use.

TYPICAL TASKS ^SRC

Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations
Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals and review requisitions for goods and services
Negotiate, renegotiate and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors and other representatives
Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in the correct amounts
Analyze price proposals, financial reports and other data and information to determine reasonable prices

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES ^SRC

Buyer, Procurement Official, Procurement Specialist, Purchasing Administrator, Purchasing Agent

MEDIAN PAY ^SRC

$64,380

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1-2 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Negotiation, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Speaking, Active Learning, Critical Thinking, Judgement and Decision Making, Management of Financial Resources, Monitoring

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Purchasing Managers, Transportation Managers, Logistics Managers