Description
Source, purchase, and manage delivery of materials, equipment, supplies, and services to support operations and manufacturing. Evaluate and select suppliers, negotiate pricing and terms, issue and administer purchase orders and contracts, and ensure quality, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
- • Purchase high-quality goods and services at the best total cost and in correct quantities.
- • Prepare and issue RFQs/RFPs and purchase orders; review and approve requisitions.
- • Research and qualify suppliers based on cost, quality, capacity, reliability, and service.
- • Analyze quotes, bids, and financial data to determine fair and reasonable pricing.
- • Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable laws and regulations.
- • Negotiate and administer contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers and vendors.
- • Track orders and shipments; resolve delivery, quantity, or quality issues.
- • Collaborate with stakeholders to address defective or unacceptable goods or services.
- • Monitor supplier and contract performance and implement corrective actions.
- • Maintain accurate records of purchases, costs, deliveries, performance, and inventory.
- • Use catalogs, trade sources, and online tools to locate products and services.
- • Analyze usage and inventory levels to develop sourcing and replenishment strategies.
- • Conduct supplier visits and interviews to assess capabilities and offerings.
- • Coordinate payment of freight, tariffs, and duties as required.
- • May guide or supervise purchasing coordinators, buyers, or expediters.
- • Develop and maintain product and service specifications; sustain technical knowledge.
- • Track market conditions and price trends affecting supply and demand.
- • Establish or refine procurement policies, procedures, and bid processes.
- • Network at meetings, trade shows, and conferences to expand the supplier base.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
