Purchasing agent job description. 

Purchasing agent job description and introduction to the field

One of the components in the purchasing agent job description is the ability to work in a fast-pace environment characterized by high energy.

A purchasing agent buys things for companies, such as raw material, products, and any other services that the company needs to maintain operations.

A purchasing agent favorite tools are a shopping list, a pencil, and calculator to do math.

In a school for instance, they may have to buy paper towels, books and school supplies ordered by teachers, food, desks, and so forth... 

Whatever they order, their job is to ensure that the organization runs smoothly by ordering stuff in a timely fashion. 

The challenge of being a purchasing agent

Although being good at math is important in this profession, it is not the only skill a purchasing agent needs to possess. 

The job of purchasing agents is far more complex than simple buying. Because the marketplace is always seeking and competing for buyers, decisions are often made quickly; this may create financial risk. 

An organization expects the purchasing agent not only to know how to buy, but they have to make important decisions on the quality of the items that they buy. 

Buy it cheap, and it may not be of good quality. Buy it too high, and the company may lose money. 

Yes, these people are a crucial part of the management team and their contribution is crucial as they make decision that can affect the financial well being of the organization.

Your math skills will become handy when you have to compute the cost of an item and how much it will cost to transport that item. 

Once again, the company will need more than your math skills because it is your responsibility to ensure that the vendors will meet their promises about quantity and delivery date. It can help your organization a lot to get what they need in a timely fashion. 

Having said that, the purchasing agent must anticipate problems, such as bad weather, transportation related problems, and any of the like that can postpone or delay delivery. 

Getting the job as a purchasing agent

Mathematical modeling is used by almost every business strategists in order to anticipate outcomes and manipulate some variables.

The variables could be the price of raw materials, cost for advertisements, packaging and shipping costs, and many other variables that can affect the success of a business, or organization.

Having a bachelor of mathematics will fit very well into the needs of those organizations that are working under such pressures.

Many employers are desperately looking for people with math skills. You may not have been aware of the demand placed on you. You will do well if you believe in your potential.

Keep in mind that a master is required for many top-level manager positions.

If you are just entering the profession, do not be surprise if they ask you to show your certification because it has become more and more important.

For more information about the purchasing agent job description and certification, you may want check the following websites:

Institute for supply management

American purchasing society

The association for operations management