Buyer and Purchasing Agent Career Specializations
There are several certifications available for the buyer and purchasing agent, depending
upon the sector they are employed by and their job title. CPSM certification stands
for Certified Professional in Supply Management and Is received through the Institute
for Supply Management. For persons employed by federal state and local government,
The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing offers the Certified Professional
Public Buyer - CPBB certification. The majority of specialized certifications are
available only after a program of study as well as a certain period of work related
experience.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Buyer and Purchasing Agents are important portions of companies supply line. The
Buyer and Purchasing Agent supply their company with the products or finished goods
to enable their business to function smoothly. They may be in charge of finding
suppliers, negotiating prices with suppliers or even in the planning and instrumentation
of sales programs.
Work Environment
The work environment for buyers and purchasing agents is generally an office and
much research is done upon the Internet by many purchasing agents and buyers. With
some purchasing agent jobs, travel might be required. Most purchasing agents and
buyers work a 35 to 40 hour work week.
Employment Outlook and Opportunities
Buyers and purchasing agents will find a wide variety of employment opportunities.
Manufacturers and retail sales depend heavily upon buyers and purchasing agents.
There are a multitude of opportunities within the local, state and federal governments.
Any large manufacturing or retail company will employ one or more buyer and purchasing
agents.
Job growth for buyers and purchasing agents via wholesale and retail companies is
predicted to have little or no change through 2016. Buyers and purchasing agents
employed dealing with farm products is projected to decline by 9%. Employment overall
a buyers and purchasing agents is expected to grow more slowly than the average.
How much does a Buyers and Purchasers make - Buyers and Purchasers Salaries and
Wages
Earnings for Buyer and Purchasing Agent with 1 to 4 years experience are
reported to be between $34,924 per year to $49,208 per year.
Earnings for Buyer and Purchasing Agent with 5 to 9 years experience are
reported to be between $38,149 per year to $51,977 per year.
Earnings for Buyer and Purchasing Agents with 10 to 19 years experience are
reported to be between $41,431 per year to $16,655 per year.
How to Become a Buyer and Purchasing Agent
Education for Buyers and Purchasing Agents
There are no firm educational requirements that apply to all buyers and all purchasing
agents. The requirements will vary from job to job. However there are some overall
educational backgrounds that will assist in becoming a buyer or purchasing agent
as well as in advancement in their chosen career.
Private sector employment opportunities often require a bachelor degree and a master's
degree is preferred. Buyers for the retail sector are often referred to have experience
with the product. Within government, state, local and federal, a bachelor degree
is normally required as well as on-the-job training.
There are no licensure requirements for buyers or purchasing agents, but depending
upon the buyer or purchasing agent's specialization and employment sector there
are some certification programs. For the purchasing manager, there is a Certified
Professional in Supply Management credential. There Is Also the Certified Purchasing
Professional credential and the Certified Supply Chain Professional credential as
well. These are only a few of the certifications available for buyers and purchasing
agents.
Career Advancement
Work experience for the buyer or purchasing agent is imperative for advancement,
but equally important for career advancement as a buyer and purchasing agent is
continuing education and certifications within the specialization.
Use the handy links to learn more about the educational opportunities for an exciting
career as a buyer and purchasing agent.
Buyer and Purchasing Agent Resources
Institute for Supply Management
American Purchasing Society
The Association for Operations Management