Procurement and purchasing agents and officers

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Procurement agents and officers

• Evaluate risk, assess, prepare forecasts, scenarios and other factors concerning the supply market, and write reports and recommendations

• Provides research and input into the financial sourcing aspects of contracts and calls for tender when information is not readily available

• Identify high impact cost reduction opportunities

• Leverage the organization's buying power to optimize costs, access new suppliers, reduce lead times, and guarantee supply

• Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential buyers and suppliers to the organization

• Respond to customer service inquiries and clarify requirements and provide information as needed.

• Purchasing agents and officers

• Purchase general and specialized equipment and materials, business services and land or access rights for use or for further processing by their establishment

• Assess requirements of an establishment and develop specifications for equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased

• Invite tenders, consult with suppliers and review quotations

• Determine or negotiate contract terms and conditions, award supplier contracts or recommend contract awards

• Establish logistics of delivery schedules, monitor progress and contact clients and suppliers to resolve problems

• Negotiate land acquisition or access rights for public or private use, and may conduct field investigations of properties

• May hire, train or supervise purchasing clerks.

• Procurement and purchasing agents and officers usually require a bachelor's degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce or economics.

• Procurement and purchasing agents and officers purchasing specialized materials or business services may require a related university degree or college diploma. For example, a bachelor's degree or college diploma in engineering may be required for purchasers of industrial products.

• A certificate in purchasing from the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) may be required.

• Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.

• Procurement and purchasing agents and officers may specialize in the purchase of particular materials or business services such as furniture or access rights.