What does a strategic buyer do?

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.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between strategic buyers and purchasing agent. For instance, strategic buyer responsibilities require skills such as "supply chain," "continuous improvement," "commodities," and "supplier selection." Whereas a purchasing agent is skilled in "customer service," "inventory control," "corrective action," and "delivery dates." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Landmen are referred to as the public-facing side of a gas, mineral, and oil exploration and production team. They are professionals who interact and negotiate directly with landowners for the acquisition of gas and oil drilling leases. Their duties include acquiring subsurface mineral rights from the landowners. They negotiate mineral rights, which include marketing and leasing right from the owner. The skills necessary for the job include management skills, leadership, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real strategic buyer resumes. While strategic buyer responsibilities can utilize skills like "supply chain," "purchase orders," "strategic sourcing," and "supplier performance," landmen use skills like "ownership reports," "title searches," "due diligence," and "right-of-way."

Senior Purchasing Agents are experienced employees in the company's purchasing department. They oversee the purchase requisitions of the employees. They validate requests, ensure that the requestors followed company guidelines, check the availability of the items with the chosen supplier, and forward the purchase order to the supplier. Upon fulfillment of the request, Senior Purchasing Agents check the deliveries, ensure that the items are complete and correct, forward the items to the requestor, and process the payment for the supplier. Senior Purchasing agents also prepare reports, spot trends in employee or department purchases, and create recommendations based on observations. They are also expected to form good working relationships with suppliers.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, strategic buyers are more likely to have skills like "supply chain," "supplier management," "delivery performance," and "product development." But a senior purchasing agent is more likely to have skills like "project management," "customer service," "price analysis," and "contract management."

A procurement agent develops profitable measures to save the client money and ensure the quality of goods supplied. Procurement agents obtain the purchased items through suppliers, monitor them, and expedite the orders. They oversee the activities and performance of the suppliers for compliance. Their duties include the verification of item receipts, resolving shipment-related problems, and authorizing purchase payments through documentation. The necessary skills for this job include being accomplished, decisive, and strong communication skills.