Occupation information for

Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semi-finished materials for manufacturing.

Currently Employed: 3,249

Yearly Projected Openings: 90

Typical Hourly Wage: $30.03 - $47.08

Typical Annual Salary: $62,500 - $97,900

• Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.
• Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.
• Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
• Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions, and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments.
• Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
• Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.
• Maintain and review computerized or manual records of items purchased, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.
• Arrange the payment of duty and freight charges.
• Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.

• Desktop computers
• Notebook computers
• Personal computers
• Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
• Special purpose telephones

• Accounting software
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software
• Financial analysis software
• Project management software
• Spreadsheet software