Purchasing Agent Career
How to Become a Purchasing Agent
Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and organizations that rely on supply chain management are seeing a demand for professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to keep up. Purchasing agents play a vital role in helping supply chain organizations succeed in today’s dynamic and highly competitive marketplace.
Often, the duties of a purchasing agent are mistaken for what a retail buyer does, but these professions are entirely different careers. While wholesale and retail buyers purchase goods such as clothing or electronics for resale, purchasing agents are tasked with buying goods and services for use by the company or organization they work for.
Purchasing agents are administrators that select and purchase goods, services, or equipment that a company needs in order to perform their business operations. Professionals in this field carry out a variety of responsibilities that include verifying purchases, inspecting products, scheduling orders and shipments, evaluating specifications, and ensuring the reliability of supply chain processes.
If purchasing and negotiation interests you, then a career as a purchasing agent may be a great role to explore. Continue reading to learn more about how to become a purchasing agent in the exciting world of business and supply chain management.
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.
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.
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
Supply Chain and Operations Management – B.S.
This online supply chain and operations management program will...
This online supply chain and operations...
This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare you for real-world experiences in business.
- Time: 70% of graduates finish similar programs within 42 months.
- Tuition: $3,575 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 courses in this program.
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Operations Manager
- Facilities Manager
- Industrial Production Manager
- Distribution Manager
- Buyer/Purchasing Agent
- Project Management Specialist
With incredible growth opportunities in supply chain and operations management, this program helps prepare student to meet industry needs and become credentialed experts.
College of Business
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 68% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Account executive
- Business analyst
- Program manager
- Director or senior director
- Vice president
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
College of Business
Leadership Certificate – College of Business
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a leadership certificate from the College of Business, powered by WGU Academy.
- Time: 4 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,250 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
College of Business
Finance – B.S.
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain...
This online finance program is career-focused so...
This online finance program is career-focused so you will gain relevant industry skills.
- Time: 70% of graduates finish similar programs within 42 months.
- Tuition: $3,575 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 courses in this program.
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Financial analyst
- Finance director
- Investment banker
- Insurance agent
- Accountant
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.
College of Business
Accounting – B.S. Business Administration
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Accounting manager
- Financial director
- Vice president of finance and operations
- Chief financial officer
- Forensic accountant
Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals.
College of Business
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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.
How Much Does a Purchasing Agent Make?
$56,818
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 $56,818. The lowest 10% earned $38,430 and the highest 10% earned more than $111,200, based on BLS estimates.
What Is the Job Outlook for a Purchasing Agent?
Varies
In the U.S., there are approximately 503,900 purchasing agents working for a wide variety of businesses, both wholesale and retail, as well as for government agencies. Nearly every business that sells products requires a professional to purchase the goods needed.
As a result, the job outlook for purchasing agents is good, with about 47,400 projected openings predicted for professionals in this field each year from 2021 to 2031.
Where Does a Purchasing Agent Work?
Varies
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.