Description

A Junior Buyer is responsible for assisting the Senior Buyer in the procurement of goods and services for a company. They work closely with vendors to negotiate prices, terms, and delivery schedules to ensure that the company obtains the best possible value for its purchases. Junior Buyers also maintain relationships with suppliers, resolving any issues that may arise and ensuring that orders are fulfilled on time and to the company's specifications. In addition, they are responsible for analyzing market trends and supplier capabilities to identify potential risks and opportunities for the company. Junior Buyers may also assist in creating and maintaining vendor databases, preparing purchase orders, and tracking inventory levels to ensure that the company always has the necessary supplies on hand. They must possess strong analytical and negotiating skills, as well as excellent attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure. Junior Buyers should also have good communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be working closely with both internal and external stakeholders. They should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team and be able to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. A Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field is typically required for this role.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Junior Buyer with 0-3 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting market research to identify potential suppliers, compare prices, and analyze product quality.
  • Assisting in the negotiation and finalization of contracts with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.
  • Monitoring inventory levels, placing purchase orders, and tracking delivery schedules to maintain adequate stock levels.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as sales and operations, to forecast demand, optimize inventory, and support business objectives.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Junior Buyer, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong negotiation skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with vendors in order to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
  • Excellent analytical abilities to assess supplier performance, analyze market trends, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Detail-oriented approach to accurately analyze and interpret purchase requisitions, specifications, and contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and computer skills to efficiently manage procurement systems, conduct market research, and prepare reports to support decision-making processes.

Essential Skills For Junior Buyer

1

Negotiation

2

Strategic Sourcing

3

Procurement Analysis

Skills That Affect Junior Buyer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

4%

Negotiation

8%

Data Analysis

9%

Procurement Analysis

8%

Career Prospects

The Junior Buyer role is essential for efficient procurement and supply chain management. If you have 0-3 years of experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Purchasing Coordinator: Responsible for coordinating purchase orders, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
  • Inventory Analyst: Focuses on analyzing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and optimizing stock levels to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.
  • Supply Chain Planner: Manages the end-to-end supply chain process, including demand forecasting, production planning, inventory management, and logistics coordination.
  • Category Specialist: Specializes in a specific product category, researching market trends, identifying suppliers, negotiating contracts, and optimizing procurement strategies.

How to Learn

The role of Junior Buyer in Canada is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the job role has seen a steady increase in demand and is projected to continue this trend in the future. With a strong focus on supply chain management, purchasing, and negotiation skills, Junior Buyers are becoming indispensable in various industries. According to Google, there will be a substantial number of employment opportunities available for aspiring Junior Buyers, as companies recognize their importance in driving cost savings and operational efficiency. Overall, the future looks promising for individuals pursuing a career as a Junior Buyer in Canada.