Buyer

What is a buyer?

Buyers source and buy materials, services and other items for the organisation they work for. For example, in retail, the buyer may source the highest quality materials for the production of shirts or a buyer working for a building company may buy bricks and mortar. Buyers have to ensure that the company is holding the correct amount of stock to sell and make sure that they stick to the company’s budget for materials.

Buyers work closely with other departments and workers such as merchandisers to make sure they know what they need to buy. They will often work ahead of the actual selling of goods and will have to forecast quantities of materials in advance. Buyers will source a number of places to buy their materials and assess which source would be best in terms of quality and price. They may also be involved in stock control.

What personal qualities and skills are best suited to this industry?

Buyers require a high level of skill in communication in order to negotiate and discuss requirements with a wide range of people. They have to be able to work to a budget and make decisions based on this budget. Buyers have to be continuously aware of their organisations operations and trends when forecasting. Being analytical and working well with numbers is essential to this role.

How much money can I earn?

Again, with most careers, buyers’ salaries depend on the individual’s level of experience and the organisation in which they work. Starting salaries will vary, although usually begin from around £17,000 per year. This salary increases as more experience is gained and can go up to around £56,000 at higher levels. Further progression is possible.

Qualifications

A degree or HND course is usually undertaken in a business related subject. For entry into a degree course the minimum requirement is three Highers (A-C) plus Standard Grades in two other subjects (1-3). It would benefit an individual wishing to become a buyer to gain experience within the industry.

Professional qualifications can also be obtained through the examinations of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). This can be done through part or full time courses at a number of institutions such as the Central College of Commerce or Herriot-Watt University. It is possible to register as a student with 2 Highers (A-C) plus Standard Grades (1-3) in 3 other subjects, or equivalent, but many entrants have a degree or Higher National Diploma, often in Business Studies. Visit www.cips.org for more details.