Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Procurement and purchasing agents and officers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

• Procurement agents and officers
• Evaluate risk, assess, prepare forecasts, scenarios and other factors concerning the supply market, and write reports and recommendations
• Provides research and input into the financial sourcing aspects of contracts and calls for tender when information is not readily available
• Identify high impact cost reduction opportunities
• Leverage the organization’s buying power to optimize costs, access new suppliers, reduce lead times, and guarantee supply
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential buyers and suppliers to the organization
• Respond to customer service inquiries and clarify requirements and provide information as needed.
• Purchasing agents and officers
• Purchase general and specialized equipment and materials, business services and land or access rights for use or for further processing by their establishment
• Assess requirements of an establishment and develop specifications for equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased
• Invite tenders, consult with suppliers and review quotations
• Determine or negotiate contract terms and conditions, award supplier contracts or recommend contract awards
• Establish logistics of delivery schedules, monitor progress and contact clients and suppliers to resolve problems
• Negotiate land acquisition or access rights for public or private use, and may conduct field investigations of properties
• May hire, train or supervise purchasing clerks.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Procurement and purchasing agents and officers are employed and some of their main characteristics:

• Establishements throughout the private and public sector