Hire a Purchasing Assistant
Purchasing assistants place orders for raw materials and products that a business needs and work with vendors and suppliers to fulfill these orders. They conduct administrative and support activities to keep the purchasing department running efficiently. Many assistants also maintain inventory and purchase records. In some cases, the purchasing assistants undertake vendor research and selection duties to cut costs and enhance the business profitability. Purchasing assistants usually work under the supervision of a buyer or purchasing manager and work in a team environment.
Essentials of the job role
The purchasing assistant is responsible for helping the purchaser carry out day-to-day tasks. Primarily, they maintain the inventory and supply levels and negotiate deals with potential vendors. They assist with the inspection of goods, develop strategies, and make recommendations. They are responsible for learning company purchasing policies and procedures and working on tasks that ensure effective company operation. Purchasing assistants conduct regular price comparisons, ensuring that the company gets the best price for each purchased product. They must be aware of existing inventory levels at all times so that there is no shortage of supplies, always selecting the right products for inventory. A purchasing assistant is required to form relationships with distributors and manufacturers. They analyze general sales and revenue trends. Some other essential duties include arranging meetings with stakeholders, assisting with analysis and reports, and placing and tracking orders. The compensation drawn by the purchasing assistant depends on their industry or organization. They earn an average annual salary of $41,000. The employment outlook for this position is stable, with potential for career advancement. The growth trajectory of a purchasing assistant is often steep. They advance into roles such as buyer, purchasing coordinator, purchasing manager, among others.
Requirements for getting hired
Applicants to the position need to have a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree in a related field. Experience in a purchasing role is advantageous, along with a proven history of effective purchase management. Applicants with previous retail experience have a greater chance of getting an interview. Computer skills are also necessary for this role, as most purchasing assistants have to generate and run various company reports. To succeed in this role, the candidate must be adept at creating and administering priority task lists. They must be excellent communicators with strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Incumbents should have the ability to cooperate and work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. An exceptional purchasing assistant should have an eye for spotting market trends.
