Mistakes made during materials procurement can lead to frustration and costly downtime.
A materials buyer identifies the sources of materials required by an employer and arranges for the purchase of those materials. This job can involve a wide variety of industries and work settings. There are no special requirements for a materials buyer position, although some business management training, as well as experience in materials procurement and management, is helpful.
A materials buyer identifies the sources of materials required by an employer and arranges for the purchase of those materials.
Materials buyers receive lists of the materials they need from their employers and can also work with individual departments during project development to help those departments identify the best materials for the project. Using information about the employer’s needs, the materials buyer researches sources and compares quality, prices, delivery policies, and other terms and conditions. The buyer can also work on establishing professional relationships with material sources, especially if the need is ongoing.
This job can involve anything from buying chemistry supplies for a college or university to sourcing raw materials for clothing. Material buyers often need to travel to inspect products and meet with potential suppliers. They may also meet in the office at odd hours to interact with vendors in different time zones and must be effective and efficient communicators. Being able to describe needs when working with suppliers is critical to ensuring delivery of the correct materials.
Detailed knowledge is also helpful, as a materials buyer may need to make decisions about replacements and other available options when ordering materials. Other topics to consider may include things like labor laws and environmental regulations. The buyer may work for a company committed to ethical sourcing, for example, or be employed in a country where there are strict rules regarding raw materials used in manufacturing and other industries.
Depending on the size of the business, a materials buyer may have one or more assistants to help with research and order placement. Knowledge of the software is often a requirement, as buyers must be able to interface with internal inventory systems as well as ordering programs maintained by vendors. Being able to think creatively and critically can also be valuable, as materials buyers may need to act quickly to secure material supplies, make quick decisions under pressure, and anticipate employers’ material needs to ensure supplies are available. materials. Mistakes made during materials procurement can lead to frustration and costly downtime.