Purchasing Agent

Code: 13-1023.00

Also known as: Buyer, Procurement Official, Procurement Specialist, Purchasing Administrator, Purchasing Agent

Description: From medical supplies and computer equipment to retail merchandise and raw food products, at some point every company needs to acquire new products to sustain day-to-day business functions. Unfortunately, prices for goods and services aren't always what they appear to be when first quoted. The Purchasing Agent fosters relationships with vendors in order to negotiate prices, review bid proposals and issue purchase orders to keep a company going.A Purchasing Agent can start his or her career with one year of on-the-job experience, learning how to manage inventories and work with supply chain operations. However, larger companies will require a Bachelor's degree or higher for advancement into management positions.