What is a Buyer Assistant Job?
A Buyer Assistant is a professional who helps the buying team in the purchasing process of goods and services. They assist the buyers to research, negotiate, and purchase products that meet the company's requirements. Buyer Assistants play a crucial role in streamlining the purchasing process, ensuring that it stays within budget and meets the company's expectations.
What Do Buyer Assistants Usually Do in This Position?
Buyer Assistants are responsible for various activities related to the purchasing process, such as researching potential vendors, products, and services, negotiating with suppliers, preparing purchase orders, and communicating with internal stakeholders. They also work closely with the buying team to ensure that the purchasing process is efficient, cost-effective, and meets the company's standards.
Top 5 Skills for This Position
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively negotiate with suppliers and communicate with internal stakeholders
- Excellent research and analytical skills to identify potential vendors, products, and services that meet the company's requirements
- Good organizational and multitasking skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Attention to detail to ensure that purchase orders and contracts are accurate and comply with the company's standards
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, to analyze data and prepare reports
How to Become a Buyer Assistant Specialist?
To become a Buyer Assistant, you need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field. Additionally, relevant work experience, such as in purchasing or procurement, is often required. Some employers may also prefer candidates with certification from professional organizations, such as the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing or the Institute for Supply Management.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Purchasing Assistants, which includes Buyer Assistants, was $42,120 in May 2020. The salary range for this position varies depending on factors such as location, industry, and experience.
Roles and Types
Buyer Assistants work in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and government. They may also specialize in different areas, such as raw materials, equipment, or services. Some Buyer Assistants may work for a specific company, while others may work for a purchasing department that serves multiple companies.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment levels for Purchasing Assistants, which includes Buyer Assistants, are California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. The metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels for this position are Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, New York-Newark-Jersey City, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land.
What are the Typical Tools Used by Buyer Assistants?
Buyer Assistants use various tools to perform their job duties, such as:
- Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, to analyze data and prepare reports
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to manage purchasing activities and inventory
- E-procurement systems to streamline the purchasing process and communicate with suppliers
- Supplier databases to research potential vendors and suppliers
- Contract management software to manage and track contracts with suppliers
In Conclusion
A Buyer Assistant is an essential member of the purchasing team who plays a crucial role in the purchasing process. They use their research, negotiation, and communication skills to ensure that the purchasing process is efficient, cost-effective, and meets the company's standards. To become a Buyer Assistant, you need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant work experience. The median annual salary for this position varies depending on factors such as location, industry, and experience.