Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Tasks Include:

• Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.
• Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices.
• Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
• Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions, and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
• Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
• Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.
• Maintain and review computerized or manual records of items purchased, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.

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