Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.

Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.

Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.

Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.

Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.

Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.

Maintain and review computerized or manual records of purchased items, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.

Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased.

Formulate policies and procedures for bid proposals and procurement of goods and services.

Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.

Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and resolve problems related to undelivered goods.

Hire, train, or supervise purchasing clerks, buyers, and expediters.

Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and Internet sites and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services.

Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets.

Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.

Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies.

Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.

Arrange the payment of duty and freight charges.

Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions, and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments.