Buyer
On this page
- What's it like to be a Buyer?
- How to become a Buyer
- Latest Buyer jobs
- Top skills and experience for Buyers
- Buyer role reviews
What's it like to be a Buyer?
A Buyer, also known as a Purchaser, is in charge of a company’s purchase orders for their business needs. They canvass for the most suitable items for the company’s goals, optimise budgets, and ensure all purchases are complete and of good quality. Negotiation, market knowledge, and organisation are key skills for the role. Buyers work in retail, fashion, warehouses, and food establishments.
Tasks and duties
- Creating, processing, and updating purchase orders.
- Conducting product tests to optimise purchases.
- Drafting budgets and reducing costs.
- Evaluating purchased goods for quality and accuracy.
- Coordinating with vendors for negotiations and timely delivery.
- Liaising with management and production teams to determine purchase specifications.
How to become a Buyer
To work as a Buyer, qualifications in a relevant field and prior experience in communication, negotiation, and sales are an advantage.
Graduate with a bachelor degree in retail management, business studies, commerce, or a related field.
Complete an internship in the purchasing department of a recognised company.
Gain experience by seeking an entry-level position, working in school stores, or starting a small business.
Pursue promotion to higher positions such as Senior Buyer, Purchasing Manager or Purchasing Director.
