Use this professional created Buyer job description example to gain some inspiration on how to best craft your job description.
Buyers purchase products and services for organizations to use or resell. They consider cost, quality and delivery speed when making decisions. They also attend trade shows and conferences to learn about trends and cultivate relationships with suppliers.
Your buyer job description should mention that buyers need good math and analytical skills. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in business, management or supply management. Buyers usually get on-the-job training for more than one year to learn how to perform basic duties, including monitoring inventory and negotiating.
Because buyers analyze price proposals, keep accurate records and set up meetings to discuss defective purchases, they should be good decision-makers. Buyers interview prospective suppliers and visit their facilities to determine capabilities. They also should be self-confident, skilled communicators who can reach a satisfactory deal with suppliers.
Buyer Job Description Template
Job Summary
If you’re seeking a fulfilling job that offers a great opportunity for unique and interesting work, our retail buyer position could be just what you are looking for. In this role, you will work to procure items for our retail stores. You will research all the latest retail trends and customer needs in order to find possible new product offerings. Working with our suppliers, you will negotiate prices and consider the company’s profitability before placing orders. You may get the chance to travel as a company liaison who builds and maintains professional relationships with our vendors and partners. You will also make sure that product supply is uninterrupted through inventory control and proper ordering procedures.
Job Responsibilities
- Identify possible future product offerings by conducting thorough research about what customers are looking for next and the technological trends that are coming up.
- Oversee an entire product line’s inventory levels by working with staff in supply, procurement and administration.
- Strategize with management and other company leaders to develop promotional product lines or special offerings, depending on availability of various items.
- Partner with suppliers in order to have a constant supply of popular inventory items throughout the year at prices that are within the company budget.
- Plan pricing strategies on various product lines with the marketing department and management and aim to reach an agreement with suppliers that allow for optimal pricing.
- Anticipate possible supply shortages depending on unpredictable variables and devise strategies to solve any problems with inventory supply.
- Publish inventory and ordering reports so that upper management and other departments can get a clear idea of progress or struggles
Job Skills & Qualifications
Required:
- Four or more years of experience in retail buying
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, supply chain management or another related field
- Solid communication and negotiating skills
- Prior management experience
Preferred:
- Willingness to travel two or more days per month
- Experience with or knowledge about the company’s products
