Purchasing Agents and Buyers
| Description |
OES Code: 21300 |
Purchase raw or semi-finished materials for manufacturing. Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Include Contract Specialists, Field Contractors, Purchasers, Price Analysts, Tooling Coordinators, and Media Buyers.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$13.98 |
| 25th Percentile |
$16.46 |
| 50th Percentile |
$21.81 |
| 75th Percentile |
$28.72 |
Wages, San Joaquin
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$18.44 |
| 25th Percentile |
$21.38 |
| 50th Percentile |
$26.23 |
| 75th Percentile |
$36.23 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Most purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents work in comfortable, well-lighted offices. They frequently work more than the standard 40-hour week because of special sales, conferences, or production deadlines. Evening and weekend work is also common. For those working in retail trade, this is especially true prior to holiday seasons. Consequently, many retail firms discourage the use of vacation time from late November until early January.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
41,200 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
48,700 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
18.2% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
11,400 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
340 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
370 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
8.8% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
60 |
Employment Trends by California County
Demand for these workers will not keep up with the rising level of economic activity because the increasing use of computers has allowed much of the paperwork typically involved in ordering and procuring supplies to be eliminated, reducing the demand for lower-level buyers who perform these duties. Also, limited sourcing and long-term contracting have allowed companies to negotiate with fewer suppliers less frequently. Consequently, most job openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. In retail trade, mergers and acquisitions have forced the consolidation of buying departments, eliminating jobs. In addition, larger retail stores are removing their buying departments from geographic markets and centralizing them at their headquarters, eliminating more jobs.
Advancement
Advancement is usually from trainee, to Assistant Buyer, to Buyer. Promotion from trainee to Buyer may take as little as two years, or as many as ten or more years. Depending upon ability and available openings, the career path, particularly in department stores, could have intermediary steps such as salesclerk, head of stock, or department manager.
Promotion for Buyers is usually from a small department to a large department, or to buying for several departments, or to purchasing a greater volume of merchandise. In most stores, successful Buyers are likely to be in line for the job of merchandising or store manager. Membership activities in professional and trade associations keep Buyers up to date with improvements and changes in various products and practices that can assist with their advancement to more responsible positions. Familiarity with computers will also become an important factor for future advancements.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Prospective entrants to the occupation should apply directly to retail stores. Some firms recruit through placement offices of colleges and universities for their training programs. The experienced buyer may learn of job openings through networking with sales staff, or by advertisements in trade papers, or by announcements by retail firms. Persons who have a bachelor's degree in business should have the best chance of obtaining a buyer job in wholesale or retail trade or within government. A bachelor's degree, combined with industry experience and knowledge of a technical field, will be an advantage for those interested in working for a manufacturing or industrial company.
For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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Regardless of academic preparation, new employees must learn the specifics of their employers business. Training periods vary in length, with most lasting 1 to 5 years. In wholesale and retail establishments, most trainees begin by selling merchandise, supervising sales workers, checking invoices on material received, and keeping track of stock on hand, although widespread use of computers has simplified many of these tasks. As they progress, retail trainees are given increased buying-related responsibilities.
In manufacturing, new purchasing employees often are enrolled in company training programs and spend a considerable amount of time learning about company operations and purchasing practices. They work with experienced purchasers to learn about commodities, prices, suppliers, and markets. In addition, they may be assigned to the production planning department to learn about the material requirements system and the inventory system the company uses to keep production and replenishment functions working smoothly.
Skills & Other Requirements
Persons who wish to become Buyers should be good at planning and decision making and have an interest in merchandising. Anticipating consumer preferences and ensuring that goods are in stock when they are needed require resourcefulness, good judgment, and self-confidence. Buyers must be able to make quick decisions and take risks. Marketing skills and the ability to identify products that will sell are also very important. Employers often look for leadership ability and good communication skills, since Buyers spend a large portion of their time dealing with manufacturers' representatives and store executives. In addition, Buyers need physical stamina and emotional stability to keep up with the fast-paced nature of their work.
References
US Bureau Of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Related Occupations: Retail Store Managers
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP) |
