The role of a Buyer

In order to make a profit, companies would need to have the lowest possible cost and a high enough profit margin to provide a sales turnover which is beyond the breakeven point. With companies that sell multiple products and purchases in bulk, they would need to acquire products from wholesalers or manufacturers with the lowest possible price. In most companies the lower the costs of these goods, the better the price they can pass onto customers and the bigger the profit margin is.

The role of the buyer is to find the lowest cost of these goods within a good standard of quality and negotiate prices if necessary with the supplier. The buyer's duty would also include ensuring any goods ordered arrive on time and this is through continuous communication with the supplier and keeping in good terms with them. It will also be their responsibility to ensure that the suppliers are paid on time and correctly.

Depending on the type of company and goods required, the buyer may need to travel to different countries in order to find the right products and prices, as well as bringing samples back to show the managers and negotiate with them the benefits or disadvantages of the different suppliers.

To become a successful buyer, the person would need to have excellent negotiating skills, be able to work under pressure and within a time sensitive environment. There are different types of degrees or qualifications available, a majority of companies would prefer candidates with knowledge of procurement or supply chain, as this is mainly a role based in that industry. Due to the travelling involved, the buyer must be flexible towards this and it would be advantageous if they know other foreign languages as it will be easier to negotiate and communicate with the suppliers. Depending on the type of responsibilities and experience the salary will also differ, but there can be good career prospects. This is definitely a good role for those who like to travel and those who do not mind working under pressure.

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