Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.
Maintain and review computerized or manual records of purchased items, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.
Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets.
Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.
Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies.
