Agent, supply

Buyers purchase goods and services for use or resale on behalf of industrial, commercial, government and other firms and organisations.

• determining or negotiating terms and conditions, awarding supplier contracts or recommending contracts for the purchase of equipment, raw materials, goods and services, and purchasing goods for resale;
• obtaining information on requirements and stock levels, and developing specifications for the quantity and quality of goods purchased, costs, delivery dates and other contract conditions;
• purchasing equipment, materials or services for use or further processing;
• inviting tenders, consulting with suppliers and reviewing quotations;
• purchasing goods for resale from retail and wholesale firms;
• studying market reports, trade periodicals and sales promotion materials, and visiting trade shows, fairs, showrooms and the like;
• selecting goods or products that meet the requirements of the firm;
• interviewing suppliers and negotiating prices, discounts, credit terms and transport arrangements;
• overseeing the distribution of merchandise for sale and maintaining adequate stock levels;
• drawing up delivery schedules, monitoring progress and liaising with customers and suppliers to resolve problems.
• Examples of occupations in this unit group:
• Buyer agent
• Agent, procurement
• Purchaser (wholesale trade)