Buyer

A buyer (purchasing manager) is responsible for buying in equipment, goods and services for a company.

Their main aim is to compare costs, quality and service to get the best value for their employer.

They find everything from the retail stock or engineering parts that their company uses or sells, to any furniture, office supplies and cleaning services needed in their business premises.

Buyers working for larger organisations might run a purchasing department and lead a team of buyers and administrators. In smaller companies, they might combine purchasing with general management duties. Their day-to-day tasks typically include: deciding what goods, services and equipment are needed.

They can  also be: monitoring and forecasting stock levels; researching and identifying new products and suppliers; assessing tenders from potential suppliers; negotiating prices and agreeing contracts; making sure that suppliers deliver on time; processing payments and invoices; and keeping up with market trends..

Starting salaries are usually around £18,000 to £23,000 a year. With experience this can rise to between £25,000 and £40,000.

 Top salaries can reach £60,000 or more.

Employers could ask for varying qualifications and experience. You may have an advantage with a BTEC HNC/HND or degree in supply chain management, logistics or business studies, but this is not essential if you have relevant work experience.

You could start as an administrator or assistant in a company's purchasing department, and work your way up to manager as you gain experience and professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

In fashion retail, employers may prefer you to have qualifications and technical knowledge. .

You may be able to join some large companies through a management training scheme.

You will usually need a degree (in any subject) to get onto this type of scheme, although some employers will recruit people with A levels or similar qualifications. Most employers expect purchasing managers to have or be working towards membership of CIPS.

If you do not have an accredited degree in supply chain management, you can study for CIPS professional qualifications while you are working in a purchasing department. See the CIPS website for a list of accredited degrees and postgraduate courses, and more details about their qualifications and membership.