How Do I Become a Purchasing Specialist?

To become a purchasing specialist, a college degree in business or another related discipline in usually required. Experience within the industry in which you want to work as an expert buyer is also crucial. You must also be able to assess the quality of goods, be responsible for many details, develop relationships with suppliers and understand your target consumer.

Purchasing specialists must be knowledgeable about the wants and needs of the customers who will be buying the goods they purchase. Any mistakes in forecasting what these consumers want can mean poor sales results for the company you work for. The more you understand consumer behavior and can negotiate reasonable prices with suppliers, the more likely it will be for you to become a purchasing specialist with a successful career. Being able to get along with different groups of people and build long-term working relationships with your suppliers can help you find the best deals as well as the products in demand by your consumers.

Having leadership qualities is also typically important for a purchasing specialist, as he or she often has a team working under him or her. Being able to accomplish goals through others is necessary as all the details involved in purchasing goods, such as the storage or inventory compatibility and shipping time line, must be well-coordinated. Although you may have a staff to manage if you become a purchasing specialist, you're likely to still need to work overtime to keep up with the demands of the job. In some purchasing specialist positions, travel is a regular part of the job, so you should be prepared for that possibility.

A merchandising background is necessary to become a knowledgeable purchasing specialist. It's usually best to take courses as well as try to get work experience in product merchandising or anything having to do with distribution and the supply chain. You'll have to be able to discern quality if you want to become a purchasing specialist.

Since many purchasing specialist jobs tend to be in the manufacturing and wholesale area, it can be a good idea to begin working in that field as soon as possible and try to advance in it. Becoming a purchasing assistant in the industry in which you hope to eventually work as a specialist may be an ideal career path. Do research into the structure of companies and industries. Gaining knowledge about industry techniques and equipment as well as everything about purchasing careers can help you succeed in your chosen field.