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

Other names for Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products: Area Field Person, Area Field Worker, Buyer, Contract Analyst, Contract Specialist, Contractor Buyer, Contracts Administrator, Contracts Manager, Food Broker, Fuel Agent, Fuel Buyer, General Purchasing Agent, Import Coordinator, Jobber, Journeyman, Leaser, Log Buyer, Lumber Buyer, Media Buyer, Merchandiser, Ore Buyer, Outside Property Agent, Piece Jobber, Plant Buyer, Price Analyst, Print Buyer, Procurement Agent, Procurement Engineer, Procurement Specialist, Pulpwood Buyer, Pulpwood Contractor, Purchaser, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Assistant, Purchasing Coordinator, Purchasing Manager, Purchasing Specialist, Radio Time Buyer, Railroad Purchasing Agent, Subcontract Administrator, Timber Buyer, Tools, Supplies, and Equipment Purchasing Agent, Traveling Buyer,

• Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.
• Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals and review requisitions for goods and services.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
• Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.
• Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
• Negotiate, or renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.
• Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and in the event of problems trace shipments and follow up undelivered goods.
• 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, delivery, product performance, and inventories.
• Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and Internet sites, and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services.
• Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies.
• Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services and prices.
• Arrange the payment of duty and freight charges.
• Hire, train and/or supervise purchasing clerks, buyers, and expediters.
• Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased.
• Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets.
• Formulate policies and procedures for bid proposals and procurement of goods and services.
• Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments.