Purchasing Agent
A Purchasing Agent is a person who works in the field of procurement, which is the purchasing of goods, materials and services for a company or organization. They act as a bridge between the company and its suppliers, and as such, must have a thorough knowledge of the products and services their company requires. They must also have a good understanding of the purchasing market to be able to find the best deals for their company.
A Purchasing Agent will work with their company to identify the needs and required outcomes of a purchase. After that they will do an analysis of the market and suppliers based on the company’s needs and objectives. This analysis will involve looking into quality, pricing and delivery times as well as possible legal or ethical implications. Once the findings are completed, the Purchasing Agent will communicate with suppliers to determine the best deal and negotiate the terms of any agreement between the company and suppliers.
Once the purchases are made, the Purchasing Agent will monitor the delivery and quality of the goods or services. This includes making sure that everything arrives when promised, that it is of the promised quality, and that any orders are completed to agreed specifications. If there is a problem with any part of the order, the Purchasing Agent may step in to resolve the issues with the supplier.
A Purchasing Agent is a crucial part of any company’s procurement process. It is important that they have a very strong knowledge of the purchasing market and the suppliers involved in it. They should also have strong communication skills and be able to negotiate effectively on behalf of the company. Additionally, they should be able to keep complete records of the purchasing process, which will be invaluable during audits or in understanding why certain supplies or services cost what they do.
