BUYER SENIOR BUYER (Series Specification) (2024)

BUYER
SENIOR BUYER
(Series Specification)

Job Specifications

Class Code: VC3/VC5
Analyst: JD
Date Originated: 3/84

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under direction; to purchase material, supplies and equipment; to prepareproduct specification, request for bid and contracts; and to do other work asrequired.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

BUYER is the trainee and the first working level in the buyer series.Initially under close supervision, incumbents receive on the job training in allphases of purchasing. As knowledge and abilities are gained, more complexpurchasing tasks are assigned. Incumbents are eligible for promotion to SeniorBuyer after gaining experience and demonstrating expertise in all areas ofpurchasing work.

SENIOR BUYER is the fully qualified journey level in the buyer series.Incumbents are responsible for purchasing, preparing product specifications andbids for a wide range of products and commodities.

TYPICAL TASKS

Receives, reviews and evaluates requisitions for materials, supplies,services and equipment; consults with departments to develop specifications, andto standardize and combine requirements; invites and accepts bids; evaluatesprices;, products, discount and delivery conditions; awards bids, confers andcorresponds with vendors, manufacturers, service suppliers and salesrepresentatives to obtain pricing and product information, service provided andmarket information and trends; issues purchase orders and follows up to assurereceipt of commodities; resolves problems concerning damaged goods, incorrectmerchandise or problems in billing or payment; evaluates vendors performance;maintains catalog, commodity and vendor files; confers with vendors andmanufacturers to acquaint them with the purchasing policies and procedures ofthe County; keeps informed on current trends and practices in public purchasing;attends meetings; prepares correspondence and reports; may fill in for otherclasses as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

BUYER

  • Some knowledge of the principles and practices of centralized purchasing including purchasing ethics and standards, contract development and negotiations and competitive bidding;
  • Some knowledge of the laws, regulations and procedures applicable to public agency purchasing;
  • Some knowledge of office operations and accounting and budgetary controls;

SENIOR BUYER

  • Working knowledge of the above, plus;
  • Working knowledge of current market conditions, pricing and sources of supply and senders.

Ability to:

BUYER

  • Learn to analyze requisitions and prepare product specifications, bids and agreements;
  • Learn to evaluate bids and make objective awards;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
  • Prepare reports and maintain accurate records;
  • Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines;
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

SENIOR BUYER

  • Analyze requisitions and prepare product specifications, bids and agreements;
  • Evaluate bids and make awards;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
  • Maintain accurate records and prepare reports;
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
  • Read and interpret technical specifications and drawings.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experiencewhich would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Atypical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

BUYER

  • Equivalent to graduation from college with completion of college level or equivalent courses in purchasing, marketing economics or closely related field.

SENIOR BUYER Two years of experience performing duties comparable to aBuyer in Santa Cruz County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's license.
BUYER SENIOR BUYER (Series Specification) (2024)

FAQs

What makes a good senior buyer? ›

Required Skills/Abilities:

Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to function well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment.

What are the most important skills for a buyer to have? ›

To become a Buyer, you will need to have:
  • excellent communication skills.
  • negotiating skills.
  • an aptitude for figures and the ability to manage a budget.
  • an analytical mind.
  • IT skills.
  • an interest in the activities of your own organisation.

What does senior buyer mean? ›

Senior Buyer is the advanced journey-level class in the professional Buyer series. This classification is distinguished from the Buyer II classification by performing the most difficult and complex duties in purchasing assignments for equipment, materials, supplies, and services.

What is the difference between buyer 1 and buyer 2? ›

Buyer I is the entry-level professional job in this series. Buyer II is the second-level professional job in this series. Buyer III is the first-level supervisory job in this series. Buyer IV is the second-level supervisory job in this series.

Is being a buyer a stressful job? ›

Working as a buyer can be pretty stressful at times. Specifically, trying to balance inventory levels and dealing with the staff, making sure everyone is happy.

What are strengths as a buyer? ›

Buyer skills and qualifications

Strong interpersonal skills to work with team members, clients and suppliers. Negotiation skills to work with suppliers and make better deals for the company. An understanding of purchase order software platforms. Good attention to detail to ensure all purchase orders are accurate.

Why should we hire you as a buyer? ›

Example answer:

I have always been interested in consumer trends and was eager to pursue a career as a buyer and put my analytical and negotiation skills to use. I enjoy working as a buyer as I am very results-driven and have a deep understanding of the sales industry.

How do you become a successful buyer? ›

Here's how to get the most out of the selling process and be a good buyer:
  1. Don't hold back information. I see this all the time. ...
  2. Focus on price last. Price is important. ...
  3. Don't hate on your salespeople. Your sales person is NOT the enemy. ...
  4. Don't buy by the numbers. ...
  5. Don't need to be in control. ...
  6. Make a decision.
Jul 20, 2022

Is senior buyer a good career? ›

Based on 56 responses, the job of Senior Buyer has received a job satisfaction rating of 3.92 out of 5. On average, Senior Buyers are highly satisfied with their job.

How long does it take to be a senior buyer? ›

Career prospects

Generally, you'll start as a buyer's assistant, progressing to the position of junior or trainee buyer and then to senior buyer - provided you've gained sufficient experience. It normally takes about two or three years to achieve each progression.

What is a senior buyer salary? ›

£44,814. 12% above national average. The average salary for a senior buyer is £44,814 per year in London. 120 salaries reported, updated at 3 February 2023.

What are the 3 buyer stages? ›

Traditionally, there are three stages of the buyer's journey; awareness, consideration and decision.

What are the levels of a buyer? ›

What are the three stages of the buyer's journey? The buyer's journey can be broken down into three steps or "stages" that describe how they advance along their path to purchase: the awareness stage, the consideration stage, and the decision stage.

Can you be a first-time buyer twice? ›

Technically, you cannot be a first time buyer twice. This includes if you or your partner have owned a home before, but had to sell it following a break up or change in circ*mstances.

What are the 5 stages of buying? ›

The consumer decision-making process involves five basic steps. This is the process by which consumers evaluate making a purchasing decision. The 5 steps are problem recognition, information search, alternatives evaluation, purchase decision and post-purchase evaluation.

What are the 4 stages of buyer's cycle? ›

It's split up into four stages: awareness, consideration, decision, and delight. Understanding the buyer's journey is important because it allows you to serve prospects with the information they need at each stage of the process.

What are the six stages of buyer readiness? ›

the state of preparedness or willingness in which an individual consumer may be in regard to the purchase of a particular product; the stages are commonly listed as awareness; knowledge; liking; preference; conviction and purchase.

Do buyers travel a lot? ›

Buyers work long and sometimes unusual hours, traveling to fashion shows, industry conferences, seminars, and trade shows. They investigate producers' lines, then place orders, usually with a limited amount of discussion.

What is rated the most stressful job? ›

According to the report, the top 10 most stressful jobs are:
  • Anesthesiologist assistants.
  • Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates.
  • Telephone operators.
  • Acute care nurses.
  • Obstetricians and gynecologists.
  • Public safety telecommunicators (911 operators)
  • First-line supervisors and retail sales workers.
  • Nurse anesthetists.
Dec 15, 2022

What is buyer's anxiety? ›

Buyer's anxiety is the hesitation you feel when thinking about purchasing a big-ticket product. Especially in B2B, sales reps need to constantly monitor and appease prospects' emotions to get the deal done.

What are the 7 characteristics of an ideal purchaser? ›

7 Characteristics of a Well-Prepared Buyer
  • They Know What They Want. Owners should look for a buyer who has clearly defined objectives. ...
  • They Travel In A Pack. ...
  • They Know What's In Their Wallets. ...
  • They Understand Win-Win. ...
  • They Are Grown-Ups. ...
  • They Run In the Fast Lane. ...
  • They Know Their Place.
Dec 12, 2017

What are 3 strengths examples? ›

Some examples of strengths you might mention include:
  • Enthusiasm.
  • Trustworthiness.
  • Creativity.
  • Discipline.
  • Patience.
  • Respectfulness.
  • Determination.
  • Dedication.

What are the 5 types of strengths? ›

5 Symbols of Mental Strength
  • Adaptability.
  • Endurance.
  • Steadfastness.
  • Dependability.
  • Effectiveness.

What is the best way to answer why should we hire you? ›

How to Answer Why Should We Hire You
  1. Show that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results. ...
  2. Highlight that you'll fit in and be a great addition to the team. ...
  3. Describe how hiring you will make their life easier and help them achieve more.
Jan 4, 2023

Why should I hire you best answer example? ›

“Honestly, I possess all the skills and experience that you're looking for. I'm pretty confident that I am the best candidate for this job role. It's not just my background in the past projects, but also my people skills, which will be applicable in this position.

Why should we hire you sample best answer? ›

“I believe I'm the right fit for the job because I possess all the skills and qualifications you require. Thanks to my solid background and work in previous projects, I'm confident, but I have certain analytical and people skills that'll prove beneficial in tackling any task you throw at me.

What are the five objectives of purchasing? ›

Here are the top objectives of most business's purchasing departments.
  1. Lower costs. This is by far the primary function of the purchasing department. ...
  2. Reduce risk and ensure the security of supply. ...
  3. Manage relationships. ...
  4. Improve quality. ...
  5. Pursue innovation. ...
  6. Leverage technology.

How do buyers get leads? ›

How to Get Leads in Real Estate
  1. Build partnerships.
  2. Throw a housewarming party.
  3. Become a restaurant regular.
  4. Send a handwritten note.
  5. Leverage the internet to advertise.
  6. Advertise through more traditional media.
  7. Build your own website.
  8. Develop a niche.
Jul 8, 2022

What career path after being a buyer? ›

Advancement opportunities for buyers

Experienced buyers may advance into the role of a purchasing manager, who supervises an entire team of purchasing agents, or even advance into higher leadership roles, such as procurement chief or supply chain director.

What is the next job after buyer? ›

What are good alternative careers for a Buyer? Job titles that are especially common for a Buyer to move into include Supply Chain Specialist, Merchandiser, Category Manager, Merchandise Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Sourcing Specialist and Purchase Specialist.

What qualification should a buyer have? ›

The Skills and Qualifications of a Procurement Buyer

Excellent communication skills. Relationship building and management skills. In depth understanding and knowledge of the industry. Excellent computer skills.

How much does a head of buying earn? ›

The average salary for Head Of Buying jobs is £57,500. Read on to find out how much Head Of Buying jobs pay across various UK locations and industries. We have 128 jobs paying higher than the average Head Of Buying salary!

Do you qualify as a first time buyer? ›

You're typically a first time buyer if…

You've never owned a home previously, anywhere in the world, and are looking to purchase a buy-to-let home.

Is an assistant buyer a good job? ›

Assistant buyers can have a significant impact on a company's purchasing decisions. They work closely with the buyer, helping them make decisions on what products and supplies to order. Understanding their role in greater detail can help you decide if this a viable career option for you.

How much does a Best Buy senior consultant make? ›

The estimated total pay for a Senior Consultant at Best Buy is $138,005 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $102,910 per year.

What does a senior media buyer do? ›

Senior media buyers are responsible for all media-buying for their clients and conduct research and planning to determine what is needed. Outstanding research and negotiating skills are important in this position, as they must be able to recognize valuable opportunities from all angles.

How much does a senior sales negotiator earn? ›

Senior Sales Negotiator 60K OTE including Basic of 25-30K The ideal Senior Sales Negotiator candidate will be accomplished at negotiating Sales contracts with both vendors and applicants and have a strong personality to deal with the nature of the role...

What are the four types of buyer concerns? ›

The great majority of buyer concerns fall into five categories: need, product, source, time, and price.

What are the 6 steps a buyer moves through? ›

Let's look at the six stages of the buying process below:
  • Stage #1: Problem Recognition. ...
  • Stage #2: Information Search. ...
  • Stage #3: Evaluation of Alternatives. ...
  • Stage #4: Purchase Decision. ...
  • Stage #5: Purchase. ...
  • Stage #6: Post-Purchase Evaluation.

What are the four factors influencing buyer decision? ›

In general, there are four factors that influence consumer behaviour. These factors impact whether or not your target customer buys your product. They are cultural, social, personal and psychological.

What makes a weak buyer? ›

For example, low buyer concentration, high switching costs, no threat of backward integration, less price sensitivity, uneducated consumers, consumers that purchase specialized products, and the absence of substitute products all indicate that buyer power is low.

What are the different buyer roles? ›

Decider: The person who makes the final selection on what to buy, where to buy and when to buy. Buyer: The person who handles the paperwork for the purchase. User: The person who will use the product. Caretaker or gatekeeper: The person who controls access to the decision makers or influencers.

What is the salary of buyer for a company? ›

The average salary for Buyer is £41,822 per year in the London. The average additional cash compensation for a Buyer in the London is £4,323, with a range from £1,072 - £17,423. Salaries estimates are based on 903 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Buyer employees in the London.

Can I be a first-time buyer if my husband owns a house? ›

You're married to someone who owns a property. Unfortunately, once married, you automatically lose your first-time buyer status if your spouse owns a property already.

How do banks know if you are a first-time buyer? ›

First-time buyer status is based on ownership of residential property, not whether you bought it. If you've previously owned a buy-to-let property. If you've previously owned a buy-to-let property, you no longer qualify as a first-time buyer. If you part-owned a property in the past.

Can I be a first-time buyer if I owned a property before? ›

Confusion abounds over this point as you are effectively a property owner. However, the first-time buyer rules apply only to property used as a home, so, if you own, or have owned, a shop or a restaurant, for example, but have never bought a home before, you will indeed be classified as a first-time buyer.

What are the characteristic of a good competent buyer? ›

Serious buyers understand their role in the deal process. They let their advisors negotiate the nitty-gritty deal points so that they can maintain a relationship with the seller as well as their credibility and professionalism at all times. They are well aware that today's seller may be tomorrow's key employee.

What are the characteristics of a smart buyer? ›

Here are six more qualities of an in-the-know buyer:
  • Enlightened. Understanding the system is key to avoid being victimized by it. ...
  • Polite. As counterintuitive as it might sound, politeness is your most powerful weapon when dealing with any company. ...
  • Frugal. ...
  • Resourceful. ...
  • Persistent. ...
  • Correct.
Oct 19, 2021

How can I be an effective buyer? ›

Here's how to get the most out of the selling process and be a good buyer:
  1. Don't hold back information. I see this all the time. ...
  2. Focus on price last. Price is important. ...
  3. Don't hate on your salespeople. Your sales person is NOT the enemy. ...
  4. Don't buy by the numbers. ...
  5. Don't need to be in control. ...
  6. Make a decision.
Jul 20, 2022

What are 3 traits you think are important for a buyer persona? ›

Among the characteristics that are generally found in personas you will find: Demographic characteristics: age, gender, location, level of education. Social characteristics: occupation, income, interests, family situation. Psychological characteristics: major character traits.

What are the 4 factors of buying behavior? ›

In general, there are four factors that influence consumer behaviour. These factors impact whether or not your target customer buys your product. They are cultural, social, personal and psychological.

What is a powerful buyer? ›

What is Buyer Power? Buyers have the power to influence price and the quantity of products sold. Powerful buyers can bargain on volume or switching costs or they can find substitute products. Price sensitivity also impacts the buyer/seller relationship.

Why do you want to work as a buyer? ›

Example answer:

I have always been interested in consumer trends and was eager to pursue a career as a buyer and put my analytical and negotiation skills to use. I enjoy working as a buyer as I am very results-driven and have a deep understanding of the sales industry.

How much does a head buyer make? ›

The national average salary for a Head Buyer is £77,753 in United Kingdom.

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