NKPD code: 3323
Buyers purchase goods and services for use or resale on behalf of industrial, commercial, government and other firms and organisations. Buyers perform the following main tasks: • 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) Excludes: – Broker, commodities – 3324