What Does a Procurement Buyer Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (2024)

Updated February 16, 2024

5 min read

Procurement Buyers oversee the requisition of goods and services for the company. They receive purchase requisitions from employees or departments and contact possible vendors that can supply the items. They compare the price quotations of these vendors and choose the most cost-efficient option. Upon choosing, procurement buyers notify the vendor and proceed with the request. Procurement buyers are responsible for the receipt of goods from the suppliers. They check the deliveries and ensure that all orders are complete and in good condition. They also handle the receipts and consolidate these for processing of payment.

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Procurement buyer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real procurement buyer resumes:

  • Lead development of indirect spend category management including executing and managing RFP's.
  • Manage activities of purchasing, production planning and scheduling, inventory management, warehousing and logistics.
  • Develop a working relationship with numerous suppliers, performing excellent customer service throughout the RFI, RFP, RFQ process.
  • Monitor and adjust MRP parts policy report on a regular basis.
  • Review and prepare evaluation of RFP data regarding fleet services providers.
  • Minimize production shortages through buying to MRP needs and tactical review of demand.
  • Provide part production volumes and drawing specifications to suppliers upon request for quotation (RFQ).
  • Place orders receive via phone, email and ERP system with approve vendors ensuring accurate price and meeting delivery criteria.
  • Participate in all ERP relate meetings to provide and receive troubleshooting information
  • Assist other commodities outside primary responsibilities with expediting and purchase order confirmation.
  • Function as ISO certify auditor supporting corporate initiatives to acquire ISO certification.
  • Procure and collaborate internationally with global commodity managers and buyers for the purchase of prototype commodities.
  • Coordinate with warehouses and logistics to optimize domestic and international shipping process; submit recommendations which lower costs.
  • Issue RMA's to receiving area to return defective materials.
  • Requisition raw materials, schedule delivery and track OTD performance.

Procurement buyer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 18% of Procurement Buyers are proficient in Purchase Orders, Supplier Performance, and Logistics.

We break down the percentage of Procurement Buyers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Purchase Orders, 18%

    Prepared Request for Proposals and other necessary paperwork for developing, awarding and administering purchase orders in accordance with project requirements.

  • Supplier Performance, 10%

    Monitored supplier performance, ensured delivery schedules were met, resolved discrepancies and conducted contract closeout.

  • Logistics, 6%

    Coordinated with warehouses and logistics to optimize domestic and international shipping process; submitted recommendations which lowered costs.

  • POS, 5%

    Directed and assisted agencies and film separators in development of temporary POS specifications.

  • Procurement Process, 4%

    Maintain full responsibility for using focus, attention-to-detail, and excellent communication skills to support key activities/functions of the procurement process.

  • Cost Reduction, 3%

    Negotiate supplier price reductions as they become necessary and in accordance with customer cost reduction initiatives.

Common skills that a procurement buyer uses to do their job include "purchase orders," "supplier performance," and "logistics." You can find details on the most important procurement buyer responsibilities below.

All procurement buyer skills

The three companies that hire the most procurement buyers are:

  • Honeywell57 procurement buyers jobs
  • L3Harris13 procurement buyers jobs
  • Sysco12 procurement buyers jobs

Choose from 10+ customizable procurement buyer resume templates

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Procurement buyer vs. Supply chain analyst

A supply chain analyst is responsible for handling the supply chain operations of an organization, aligning processes, and identifying areas of improvement to initiate procedures and create smooth supply delivery transactions. Supply chain analysts monitor the adequacy of stock inventory, including the trends in the market industry, to meet the public demands and ensuring that the business provides those interests. They also evaluate the supply cycle, from the planning stages to the final distribution, and analyzing aspects to minimize complexities and cost-reduction without compromising the quality of services.

If we compare the average procurement buyer annual salary with that of a supply chain analyst, we find that supply chain analysts typically earn a $5,576 higher salary than procurement buyers make annually.

While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both procurement buyer and supply chain analyst positions are skilled in purchase orders, supplier performance, and logistics.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a procurement buyer are more likely to require skills like "procurement process," "strong negotiation," "supplier relationships," and "product quality." On the other hand, a job as a supply chain analyst requires skills like "supply chain," "customer service," "power bi," and "continuous improvement." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Supply chain analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $71,146. On the other hand, procurement buyers are paid more in the energy industry with an average salary of $71,550.

The education levels that supply chain analysts earn slightly differ from procurement buyers. In particular, supply chain analysts are 6.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a procurement buyer. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Procurement buyer vs. Landman

Landmen are referred to as the public-facing side of a gas, mineral, and oil exploration and production team. They are professionals who interact and negotiate directly with landowners for the acquisition of gas and oil drilling leases. Their duties include acquiring subsurface mineral rights from the landowners. They negotiate mineral rights, which include marketing and leasing right from the owner. The skills necessary for the job include management skills, leadership, communication skills, and attention to detail.

On average, landmen earn a $20,979 higher salary than procurement buyers a year.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, procurement buyer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "purchase orders," "supplier performance," "logistics," and "pos." Meanwhile, a landman has duties that require skills in areas such as "ownership reports," "title searches," "due diligence," and "right-of-way." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

In general, landmen achieve similar levels of education than procurement buyers. They're 3.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Procurement buyer vs. Subcontract administrator

As a subcontract administrator, you will be responsible for identifying the needs of a company and implement measures and initiatives to fulfill those needs. This role will require you to perform a few tasks, including responding to purchase requisitions, soliciting bids and proposals from new and existing sources, and evaluating terms and awarding the subcontract. You are then expected to monitor the subcontract terms, including plans, progress, and payments. You will also be responsible for negotiating additions, modifications, and deletions of subcontracts.

On average, subcontract administrators earn higher salaries than procurement buyers, with a $3,812 difference per year.

Using the responsibilities included on procurement buyers and subcontract administrators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "purchase orders," "strategic sourcing," and "cost savings.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, procurement buyers are more likely to have skills like "supplier performance," "logistics," "pos," and "procurement process." But a subcontract administrator is more likely to have skills like "program management," "bid packages," "non-disclosure agreements," and "dod."

Subcontract administrators make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $84,146. On the other hand, procurement buyers are paid the highest salary in the energy industry, with average annual pay of $71,550.

Subcontract administrators typically earn similar educational levels compared to procurement buyers. Specifically, they're 4.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Procurement buyer vs. Contracts administrator

Contract administrators create and manage legal contracts from which the company participates. They ensure that all entities to the contract will accomplish their obligations, as indicated in the contract. They usually work for larger organizations that might be involved with different or highly complex contracts. These organizations spread across a range of industries, including government, construction, and healthcare. Their responsibilities include addressing any conflicts of questions regarding the contract, analyzing the possible risks posed by contracts, and working alongside the legal and procurement teams.

Contracts administrators average a lower salary than the annual salary of procurement buyers. The difference is about $8,998 per year.

While both procurement buyers and contracts administrators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like purchase orders, strategic sourcing, and strong negotiation, the two careers vary in some skills.

Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A procurement buyer uses "supplier performance," "logistics," "pos," and "procurement process." Contracts administrators are more likely to have duties that require skills in "contract administration," "customer service," "contract management," and "proposal preparation. "

Contracts administrators enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $72,687. For comparison, procurement buyers earn the highest salary in the energy industry.

The average resume of contracts administrators showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to procurement buyers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 3.1%.

Types of procurement buyer

  • More than 10 yearsBuyerAverage Salary: $54,049Bachelor's DegreeAvailable Jobs: 70,685How To Become a Buyer
  • 2-4 yearsPurchasing AgentAverage Salary: $51,950Bachelor's DegreeAvailable Jobs: 31,662How To Become a Purchasing Agent
  • 2-4 yearsContracts AdministratorAverage Salary: $52,876Bachelor's DegreeAvailable Jobs: 19,652How To Become a Contracts Administrator
  • 2-4 yearsProcurement AgentAverage Salary: $72,384Bachelor's DegreeAvailable Jobs: 8,258How To Become a Procurement Agent
  • 2-4 yearsSupply Chain AnalystAverage Salary: $67,450Bachelor's DegreeAvailable Jobs: 7,091How To Become a Supply Chain Analyst
  • 2-4 yearsLandmanAverage Salary: $82,853Bachelor's DegreeAvailable Jobs: 6,941How To Become a Landman

Updated February 16, 2024

What Does a Procurement Buyer Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (20)

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What Similar Roles Do

  • What an Associate Buyer Does
  • What a Buyer Does
  • What a Contracts Administrator Does
  • What a Media Buyer Does
  • What a Planner/Buyer Does
  • What a Procurement Agent Does
  • What a Procurement Analyst Does
  • What a Procurement Officer Does
  • What a Purchaser Does
  • What a Purchasing Agent Does
  • What a Purchasing Assistant Does
  • What a Purchasing Buyer Does
  • What a Purchasing Supervisor Does
  • What a Senior Agent Does
  • What a Senior Buyer Does

Procurement Buyer Related Careers

  • Associate Buyer
  • Buyer
  • Contract Worker
  • Contracts Administrator
  • Landman
  • Media Buyer
  • Planner/Buyer
  • Procurement Agent
  • Procurement Analyst
  • Procurement Officer
  • Purchaser
  • Purchasing Agent
  • Purchasing Assistant
  • Purchasing Buyer
  • Purchasing Supervisor

Procurement Buyer Related Jobs

  • Associate Buyer
  • Buyer
  • Contract Worker
  • Contracts Administrator
  • Landman
  • Media Buyer
  • Planner/Buyer
  • Procurement Agent
  • Procurement Analyst
  • Procurement Officer
  • Purchaser
  • Purchasing Agent
  • Purchasing Assistant
  • Purchasing Buyer
  • Purchasing Supervisor

Resume For Related Jobs

  • Associate Buyer Resume
  • Buyer Resume
  • Contract Worker Resume
  • Contracts Administrator Resume
  • Landman Resume
  • Media Buyer Resume
  • Planner/Buyer Resume
  • Procurement Agent Resume
  • Procurement Analyst Resume
  • Procurement Officer Resume
  • Purchaser Resume
  • Purchasing Agent Resume
  • Purchasing Assistant Resume
  • Purchasing Buyer Resume
  • Purchasing Supervisor Resume
What Does a Procurement Buyer Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (2024)

FAQs

What Does a Procurement Buyer Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia? ›

The procurement buyer is responsible for receiving goods from suppliers, checking deliveries, and ensuring all orders are complete and in good condition. They also handle receiving receipts and consolidate them for processing of payment. They negotiate directly with vendors to get the best pricing and payment options.

What is the role of a procurement buyer? ›

A role as a buyer or procurement officer involves working with different parts of the supply chain and logistics sector to identify and source materials, goods or services for your company. You could work across a wide range of industries and sectors, while international travel or overseas posts are also common.

What are the key responsibilities of a buyer? ›

Duties and responsibilities of a Buyer

Selecting new products and reviewing the old. Finding the right suppliers. Negotiating prices (so the store doesn't get ripped off) Ensuring the products are delivered on time.

What are the duties and responsibilities of procurement? ›

Their primary responsibilities include researching key suppliers, negotiating purchase agreements, and ensuring all products and materials meet company standards. A manufacturing company can spend up to 70% of its revenue on supplier agreements while all other companies spend about 40%.

What is the procurement process of a buyer? ›

Procurement process involves several elements, including requirements determination, supplier research, value analysis, raising a purchase request, reviewal phase, conversion to purchase order, contract administration, monitoring/evaluation of received order, three-way matching, payment fulfilment, and record keeping.

What are the 4 main roles of procurement? ›

The four main roles of procurement are sourcing, negotiation, contract management and supplier relationship management. These activities require a strong understanding of market trends, organizational objectives and supplier capabilities to ensure success.

What makes a good buyer procurement? ›

A proficient buyer knows how to identify negotiation leverage, anticipate objections, and find mutually beneficial solutions. Effective negotiation can lead to significant cost savings, more favorable purchasing terms, and long-lasting relationships with suppliers.

What does a buyer actually do? ›

A Buyer, or Purchasing Agent, is responsible for purchasing materials, supplies or equipment for a business. Their duties include negotiating deals with suppliers, researching possible item selections and taking inventory of current products.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a purchaser? ›

Job duties include assessing the market, evaluating pricing and availability, ordering new products, and keeping accurate records. Most of the job is performed in-house or in an office setting. However, a purchaser may regularly attend trade shows and conventions. They may also meet with vendors in person.

What should a buyer do? ›

Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts.

What are 5 critical functions of procurement? ›

There are five overall functions which comprise the procurement management. These functions consist of purchase requests, purchase orders, invoice approval, vendor management, and contract management. A purchase requisition is a written appeal sent to the procurement section to patronize a particular item or service.

What are the five main activities in the procurement function? ›

The Five Main Procurement Activities
  • Acquiring goods or services from suppliers or competitors.
  • Negotiating contracts with suppliers or competitors.
  • Conducting market research.
  • Preparing and submitting bids to procure goods or services.
  • Monitoring and managing contracts.

Is a procurement specialist the same as a buyer? ›

Based on my previous experiences, the difference between both roles is quite simple: Procurement includes strategic and the Buyer is more connected to operational tasks.

What is the role of a buyer in procurement? ›

Key responsibilities may include: Identifying the organisations purchasing needs. Researching, selecting and purchasing quality products and materials. Building relationships with suppliers and negotiating with them for the best price, quantities and delivery timescales.

What are the 7 stages of procurement? ›

Overview: Seven Stages of Procurement
  • Stage One: Need Identification.
  • Stage Two: Pre- Solicitation.
  • Stage Three: Solicitation Preparation.
  • Stage Four: Solicitation Process.
  • Stage Five: Evaluation Process.
  • Stage Six: Award Process.
  • Stage Seven: Contract Process.
  • All Seven Stages.

What is the buyer process? ›

The consumer buying process is a series of steps that a consumer follows to make a purchasing decision of a product or a service. The process includes recognition of wants and needs, information search, evaluation of choices, purchase, and post-purchase evaluation.

What is the difference between buyer and procurement buyer? ›

Procurement professionals work in projects: Theoretically they have clear scope, timing, defined milestones, budget and a final delivery date. Buyers have a routine to respect, and that routine is part of the success of the role. Discipline and alignment with the parts involved is key to success.

What does purchasing procurement do? ›

Procurement in a business is the act of sourcing suppliers and purchasing goods or services from those suppliers. It can include negotiating and bidding, contract management, and business spend management.

What is the role of a senior buyer in procurement? ›

Purchase goods, materials and services to ensure that the company operational needs are met, taking into account price, quality and delivery and to ensure continuity of supply. This role has greater responsibility and accountability than a Buyer and includes some people management responsibility.

Is a procurement manager a buyer? ›

Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and review the quality of products. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents and typically handle more complex procurement tasks.

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