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Average Procurement Agent Salary. Job Details. Job Listings. How should I pay? Price a Job. What am I worth? Find market worth. Base Salary. Profit Sharing. This certification distinguishes purchasing managers in ethically and responsibly managing purchasing practices. Obtain this certification by submitting an application with the APS, completing the online Preparation for the Certified Professional Purchasing Manager Exam course and passing the exam at the end of the course.
Purchasing agents need proficiency in several skills to succeed in their careers. Required skills for a successful purchasing agent may include:. These skills include the ability to collaborate with others to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Purchasing agents use negotiation skills to work with vendors in procuring quality products and services in the correct amount for the lowest possible price. These skills involve the ability to extract and interpret meaningful information from raw data. Purchasing agents use these skills to determine reasonable pricing for goods and services by evaluating financial reports, pricing structures, market conditions and other financial data.
These skills include the ability to analyze and understand financial data. It is important for purchasing agents to accurately review financial reports and data when estimating reasonable prices for goods and services.
These skills involve the ability to identify complex problems and review available information to develop creative solutions. Purchasing agents use these skills to procure quality goods and services at the lowest possible price. An example of this skill may include the ability to identify comparable products at a lower price because they are marketed to a different demographic than a more expensive alternative. Purchasing agents typically work in an office environment.
The work may involve extensive reading of either paper documents or electronic documents on a computer monitor and sitting for extended hours. Travel is not typically required for purchasing agents but may be necessary to meet with vendors and monitor supply chains. Most purchasing agents work full time and can find positions in nearly any industry. Here are the most common steps to follow to pursue a career as a purchasing agent:. Research education requirements for your preferred industry or companies to determine if it is necessary to pursue higher education.
Earning a degree in finance, business or a related discipline may improve your opportunities as a purchasing agent, but may not be required. Seek jobs where you can gain purchasing-related experience. Purchasing-related experience includes any experience interacting with suppliers or managing employees who interact with suppliers. Work toward the education and experience eligibility requirements to earn professional certifications.
These certifications serve as verification of your education and experience and distinguish you as a committed purchasing professional. You can include your highest level of education, relevant certifications and your relevant work history on a resume. An effective resume can help you obtain the purchasing agent job you want. After earning education, certifications and experience, review the current job market for your intended industry and geographical location.
Or… well, you get the idea. Some companies employ materials buyers or commodities agents. Others have purchasing associates or just purchasers. There are firms with procurement specialists and firms with sourcing agents. Some even have replenishment specialists. Purchasing agents can step into any of these positions. No law or regulation requires that purchasing agents be certified. Many employers don't actively look for certified purchasing agents. You can work in this field without any certifications.
Even so, professional purchasing certifications and general supply chain management certifications can make a career in procurement more lucrative. According to some estimates, certified purchasing agents earn up to 13 percent more than their uncertified peers. Some of the most common certifications for procurement professionals include:.
First, because procurement is essential. Without purchasing agents, there would be no raw materials to feed the factories and no retail products on store shelves to satisfy shoppers. In this role, you'll see the impact of your efforts and know that you're making a difference in your colleagues' lives and in the lives of consumers. Second, because supply chain jobs are still relatively easy to get with just a bachelor's degree.
A whole lot of manufacturing jobs go unfilled each year , and many of those openings are for positions in purchasing.
And finally, because a job in procurement can take you in many directions. You'll also end up with a considerable number of industry contacts. Your experience and network can lead to more senior positions in SCM or in an entirely different direction.
Admittedly, purchasing agent isn't one of the higher-paid supply chain management positions. However, it can be the first rung on the ladder that leads up to some of the highest-paid supply chain management positions. Categorized as: Supply Chain Management. Noodle's mission is to make the search for education better through increased transparency and efficiency. We partner with top, not-for-profit institutions to help build their online programs and identify qualified applicants.
In doing so, we're able to provide our content and services at zero cost to student users. Explore Pick any program, and use our resources to become an expert on it. Noodle is all about you! You need to create a profile to see your tailored content. Supply Chain Management. Image by William Iven from Unsplash. Christa Terry July 13, Scroll to continue reading. Business Programs Advertisement. Learn More. Article continues here. They also have to: Build reliable supplier networks Make buying decisions that meet the diverse needs of each point on the supply chain Solve problems related to defective materials or late deliveries as they arise Help firms reach specific revenue goals Purchasing agents have a role to play in business operations , production, and distribution.
How does someone become a purchasing agent? What skills do purchasing agents need? Where do purchasing agents work? What is the average purchasing agent salary? What is the typical advancement path for purchasing agents? Do buyers and purchasing agents do the same job? Are there certifications for purchasing agents? Why should someone check out this job?
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