OVERVIEW
What is a Purchasing Agent?
Often working closely with a purchasing manager, a purchasing agent is responsible for evaluating and negotiating with suppliers within a business setting. To be successful as an agent, professionals should be able to critically assess suppliers, products, and services as well as negotiate the best possible deals from vendors.
Purchasing agents are in high demand across most industries. Professionals with knowledge and skills related to the analysis of financial reports, price proposals, and other financial data have a bright career outlook in the fields of supply chain management and procurement.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Purchasing Agent Do?
Most purchasing agents work regular business hours, which offers them a good work-life balance. Professionals in this field also have opportunities to travel to conferences or trade shows to find new products and develop new vendor relationships that benefit the business they work for.
While the day-to-day responsibilities of agents vary, some of the duties included in the agent job description involve:
- Reviewing requisition requests, preparing purchase orders, and soliciting bids for goods and services.
- Negotiating and administering contracts with suppliers and vendors.
- Analyzing financial reports, price proposals, and other financial data to determine reasonable prices for goods and services.
- Balancing cost and quality to procure the best quality of goods or services for the lowest price in adequate amounts.
- Monitoring and adhering to applicable laws, regulations, and policies regarding the purchase of goods and services.
Where Does a Purchasing Agent Work?
Working as a purchasing agent is an exciting career if you’re fascinated by the way supply chains work. The ability to pursue a career within a variety of industries also makes the role more appealing. While the largest employers of purchasing agents are in manufacturing, wholesale trade, and government, there are various opportunities to explore in both small or large businesses.
Are you looking to gain the skills and knowledge to excel in a career as a purchasing agent? WGU bachelor’s degrees in business management, business administration, supply chain and operations management, or finance prepare you for an exciting job in a dynamic field. Offering competency-based coursework and the flexibility to learn at your pace and around your schedule, WGU is a great choice for students looking to achieve balance with life, work, and their educational journey.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Purchasing Agent?
Companies generally require purchasing agents to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business or accounting. However, the typical steps you’d take toward becoming an agent may also involve:
- Earning a bachelor’s degree in finance, supply chain and operations management, business, or a related discipline.
- Completing financial training in a different relevant field.
- Gaining experience in procurement.
- Joining professional organizations including the Institute for Supply Management, NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, and the American Purchasing Society.
- Applying for jobs.
Best Degrees for a Purchasing Agent
Business
Supply Chain and Operations Management - B.S.
This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare...
This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare you for real-world experiences in business.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Detail Oriented
- Management
- Leadership
- Operations:
Business
Finance – B.S.
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant...
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant industry skills.
- Time: 62% of graduates finish similar programs within 24 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 41 courses in this program
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Accounting
- Finance
- Spreadsheets
- Financial Analysis
- Problem Solving
The competency-based model at WGU allows you to move as quickly as you can master the material, and do your coursework on your schedule. Flexibility is key with the B.S. in finance at WGU.
Business
Accounting – B.S.
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 24 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 41 courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Financial Statements
- Communication
- Detail Oriented
- Research
Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals.
Business
Business Management – B.S.
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Business Leadership Certificate – School of Business
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a leadership certificate from the School of Business.
- Time: 4 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $1,125 for the certificate.
- Courses: 3 courses total in this program.
This program is for emerging leaders, however this program does not require a bachelor’s degree, and provides transferable credit towards a WGU degree program.
Whether you aspire to work for a Fortune 500 organization, a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a fast-paced start-up, this certificate can give you the keys to success in a variety of industries, including:
- Finance and Banking
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- IT
- Consulting
- Nonprofit
- Government
Business
Supply Chain Fundamentals Certificate – School of Business
Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain...
Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain fundamentals certificate from the School of Business.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,500 for the certificate.
- Courses: 4 courses total in this program.
This program is designed for individuals who are ready to take their supply chain experience to the next level and become a front-line leader in their organization.
Whether you want to advance your career in this field, or you're just getting started, a supply chain fundamentals certificate can help you be ready for your next career step. You'll be prepared to work in a variety of industries including:
- Startups
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- IT
- Retail
- E-Commerce
How Much Does a Purchasing Agent Make?
$67,620
The average salary for purchasing agents varies based on industry and geographic locations and may also include additional earnings that include commissions and annual bonuses. According to Indeed, purchasing agents can earn an average annual salary of $67,620. The lowest 10% earned $41,060 and the highest 10% earned more than $116,370, based on BLS estimates.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
6%
Overall employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents is projected to decline 6 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Despite declining employment, about 45,000 openings for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Purchasing Agent Need?
Purchasing agents should be able to demonstrate strong leadership qualities and conflict resolution abilities. To become a successful purchasing agent, you should have a combination of soft skills and hard skills to fulfill the responsibilities of the job, including:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proven negotiation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Thorough understanding of purchasing procedures and policies.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
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