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Is being a purchasing agent a good fit for you?

Buys equipment, parts, supplies and services that an organisation needs. Compares sellers and may negotiate prices.

What the work involves

  • Follows the laws and rules that apply to buying.
  • Buys top quality goods at the lowest price in the right amounts.
  • Prepares purchase orders, asks for bids and reviews requests for goods and services.
  • Writes the rules and methods for bids and buying.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be organising and persuading. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onSome. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousLow. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeLow. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingLow. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingStrong. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingStrong. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Security. Steady work in a well-run organisation.

How much training it needs

Degree required. Usually a degree, sometimes more study after. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if a purchasing agent is one of yours.

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