What does a senior buyer do?

A purchasing assistant is responsible for obtaining raw materials and goods for a business or company. They primarily function to assist purchasing managers or supervisors by keeping records, maintaining inventory, reviewing purchase orders, and monitoring shipments and deliveries. Furthermore, a purchasing assistant may perform administrative support tasks ranging from arranging appointments and managing schedules, answering calls and inquiries, reaching out to vendors and suppliers, producing reports, and coordinating with various departments to ensure the smooth flow of products within the company.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior buyer are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "supplier performance," "commodities," and "continuous improvement." On the other hand, a job as a purchasing assistant requires skills like "purchase requisitions," "data entry," "place orders," and "payroll." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Usually working in a manufacturing setting, a materials planner's role is to manage the supply flow and inventory of materials. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with vendors and other external agencies, processing purchase orders, monitoring the quality of supplies to ensure it is according to the standards, and coordinating with various teams to learn their needs. Furthermore, as a planner, it is essential to devise strategies to resolve any issues, all while adhering to the company's policies and standards.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, senior buyer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "cost reduction," "product development," "project management," and "vendor relationships." Meanwhile, a materials planner has duties that require skills in areas such as "material planning," "lean manufacturing," "part numbers," and "corrective action." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

A purchasing agent's general task is keeping purchase records and making sure that there won't be any discrepancies with the handling of orders. The purchasing agent should be responsible for the order processing and payment collection. Purchasing agents should also be proficient in interpreting and evaluating data, researching on best marketing sources and alternatives, issuing required documentation for suppliers, as well as managing customer queries as needed. Being a purchasing agent requires critical-thinking skills in assessing concerns and providing solutions should there be any possible negotiation conflicts.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a senior buyer is likely to be skilled in "supply chain," "commodities," "continuous improvement," and "product development," while a typical purchasing agent is skilled in "corrective action," "product quality," "vendor relations," and "place orders."

A material manager is responsible for monitoring inventories and stock supplies, ensuring the adequacy of materials needed for manufacturing or other operations, depending on the organization's industry. Material managers meet with suppliers and third-party vendors, negotiating contracts that would fit the budget goals of the company without compromising quality. They manage the distribution of resources throughout the organizations' department and provide purchase reports for the management. A material manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to address the needs of an organization for smooth operations.