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Industrial buyer: Job description and activities

Job description

Purchasing and procurement is an important aspect of successful business performance in a wide range of sectors.

Industrial buyers are responsible for ensuring that their companies select the most appropriate goods and services on the basis of price, quality, delivery times and services support. They must also take their own business brand needs and customer interests into consideration.

Industrial buyers develop the best buying strategies for their organisation with a view to maintaining consistent quality and managing costs. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, with growing public awareness of corporate social responsibility, buyers have a key role in industries as diverse as telecommunications, financial services and manufacturing.

Typical work activities

The work activities carried out by an industrial buyer depend largely on the business functions, size and location of the employing organisation. Duties will also be influenced by seniority. Tasks typically involve:

• forecasting likely levels of demand for services, products and/or component parts to be used in any manufacturing process;
• conducting research to ascertain market trends and needs;
• liaising between suppliers, manufacturers, relevant internal departments and customers;
• forecasting price trends and their impact on future activities;
• developing market knowledge and contacts for new products and services;
• giving presentations about market analysis and possible growth;
• developing an organisation's purchasing strategy;
• identifying potential suppliers;
• producing reports and statistics using computer software;
• evaluating bids and making recommendations based on commercial and technical factors;
• negotiating and agreeing contracts and monitoring their progress;
• processing payments and invoices;
• keeping contract files and using them as reference for the future;
• ensuring suppliers are aware of business objectives;
• liaising with users and other relevant parties;
• checking costs, quality and levels of service;
• keeping a constant check on stock levels to maximise business efficiency;
• attending meetings and trade conferences;
• visiting distribution centres and suppliers;
• training and supervising the work of other members of staff.

AGCAS

Written by Lucy Burrows, London School of Economics and Political Science

Last updated:

August 2008

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