Buyers work in buying, purchasing or procurement departments in all kinds of businesses and organisations. They are mainly responsible for buying in the goods that their company sells, though they may also purchase the equipment that employees use.

Their duties include:

• choosing products
• assessing bids from suppliers
• finding suppliers and negotiating prices
• making sure goods arrive on time and suppliers are paid
• presenting new ideas to senior management teams
• writing reports and helping to interpret sales forecasts
• recording and monitoring stock levels and analysing sales
• checking catalogues or attending trade fairs and demonstrations to research new products and suppliers.

Buyers in certain industries also use specialist skills. For example, in retail they work closely with merchandisers to predict future trends and analyse consumer buying patterns. Fashion buyers may advise design teams when new ranges are planned. 

Hours and Environment

As a buyer you will usually work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You may sometimes have to work longer hours to meet deadlines. Flexible hours and part-time work may be available.

You will be mainly office-based, but may also travel to meet suppliers. A driving licence may be an advantage.

Skills and Interests

To be a buyer, you need:

• good spoken and written communication skills
• good mathematical skills, to work with figures and budgets
• the ability to analyse and assess information
• good organisational skills
• accuracy and attention to detail
• negotiating and networking skills
• good business sense
• the ability to work well as part of a team
• the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Entry

There are no set entry requirements for becoming a buyer. Employers may prefer you to have a degree or HNC/HND, but this may not be essential if you have relevant work experience and good business skills.

You may have an advantage with a HNC/HND or degree in:

• logistics
• supply chain management
• business studies
• management
• public administration. 

Please check with colleges or universities for exact degree entry requirements.

For some jobs, employers may prefer you to have qualifications and technical knowledge in your particular industry, for example:

• an engineering degree for an engineering manufacturing company
• a degree in fashion buying or fashion design for a fashion buying job.

You may be able to join some large companies through a graduate training scheme for new entrants.

It is also possible to start as a purchasing administrator or administrative assistant in the buying department. You could then gain purchasing qualifications whist working, and be promoted to assistant or junior buyer and then buyer.

As a buyer, employers will often expect you to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). You can become a full member of CIPS by having three years’ relevant work experience, and:

• an accredited degree,
• NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Supply Chain Management or Procurement, or
• the CIPS Graduate Diploma.

See the CIPS website for a list of accredited degrees and postgraduate courses, and more details about their qualifications and membership.

Training

You will usually be trained on the job, possibly through a structured graduate training scheme. You will also normally study for NVQs/SVQs or professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

You could work towards NVQ/SVQ Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Supply Chain Management (previously known as NVQs/SVQs in Procurement), or you could study for CIPS qualifications including:

• Level 3 Certificate in Purchasing and Supply
• Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
• Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
• Level 6 Graduate Diploma, a degree-level qualification.

CIPS is also developing new Level 2 (introductory) and Level 7 (executive diploma) qualifications, which will be available in September 2007.

The Level 3 and 4 qualifications are suitable for purchasing administrators and people new to the industry. Most buyers aim to achieve the Level 6 Graduate Diploma.

You can study for CIPS qualifications part-time at local colleges and private training providers, or by distance learning. See the CIPS website for full details of entry requirements and where to study.

Opportunities

As a buyer you could work in all kinds of industries, including:

• manufacturing
• retail
• service industries
• wholesalers
• public bodies like the Civil Service and National Health Service
• local authorities
• the armed services.

Purchasing or buying departments vary widely in size and scope. Many retail head offices are in London or the south east of England, but jobs are available all over the UK.

Promotion prospects in larger companies are good. Small firms have more limited prospects, so you may have to change employers to progress in your career.

You could also move into related areas of work such as distribution and logistics, merchandising, sales and marketing or management.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Buying administrative assistants or assistant buyers may earn £12,000 to £20,000 a year.
Experienced buyers can earn from £15,000 to £35,000 a year. 
Senior buyers and purchasing managers can earn £50,000 a year or more.

Further information

40 Duke Street
London
W1A 1AB
Tel: 0800 093 5001 14 Warren Yard
Warren Farm Office Village
Stratford Road
Milton Keynes
MK12 5NW
Tel: 0870 242 7314 Easton House
Easton on the Hill
Stamford
Lincolnshire
PE9 3NZ
Tel: 01780 756777