-
Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
-
Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions, and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments.
-
Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.
-
Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and resolve problems related to undelivered goods.
-
Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
-
Hire, train, or supervise purchasing clerks, buyers, and expediters.
-
Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and Internet sites and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services.
-
Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.
-
Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased.
-
Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
-
Maintain and review computerized or manual records of purchased items, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.
-
Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.
-
Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies.
-
Arrange the payment of duty and freight charges.
-
Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions, price trends, or futures markets.
-
Formulate policies and procedures for bid proposals and procurement of goods and services.
-
Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.
-
Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.
-
Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.