Purchasing Assistant

An purchasing assistant helps to purchase products for their company to use or sell. They must be aware of stock and inventory at all times, as well as general sales and revenue trends (such as what is selling well or poorly). A purchasing assistant may be in charge of choosing which products to stock in inventory, as well as forming relationships with distributors and manufacturers.It is important for the purchasing assistant to maintain a positive demeanor, as the ability to cooperate and work in a team environment is essential.Computer skills are necessary in this position, as most purchasing assistants must type and run various company reports. Purchasing assistants also must be able to sit for long periods of time, as most of the day is usually spent in front of the computer.The position of purchasing assistant may require a bachelor's degree; however, many times, a high school degree or its equivalent will suffice. It may be necessary that purchasing assistants must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, as the need to lift and move filing boxes and other small- to medium-size packages may arise from time to time.

As a Purchasing Assistant with 6-9 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with suppliers and negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms to ensure cost-effective procurement.
• Manage inventory levels, track stock movements, and optimize inventory control procedures to minimize shortages and excesses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to forecast demand, identify purchasing needs, and establish procurement plans.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, assess performance metrics, and maintain accurate records of purchasing activities for auditing purposes.

For a Purchasing Assistant, the following qualifications are required:

• Strong knowledge of inventory management systems and purchasing processes to ensure timely and accurate procurement of goods and services.
• Proficiency in using computer programs and software applications, specifically for data entry, inventory tracking, and generating purchase orders.
• Excellent attention to detail to review purchase requisitions, compare pricing and specifications, and ensure compliance with organizational purchasing policies.
• Effective communication skills to liaise with vendors, negotiate pricing, and secure competitive bids for goods and services required by the organization.

The role of a Purchasing Assistant is crucial in ensuring smooth procurement operations. With 6-9 years of experience in Canada, professionals can consider various alternative roles. Here are four options to explore:

• Senior Buyer: A position with increased responsibilities, involving strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiations.
• Supply Chain Manager: A role focused on overseeing the entire supply chain process, including procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
• Category Manager: A position that involves strategic planning and management of specific product categories, optimizing supplier relationships, and driving cost savings.
• Operations Manager: A role that encompasses broader responsibilities, including procurement, inventory control, and streamlining procurement processes to improve operational efficiency.

The job role of Purchasing Assistant in Canada is expected to witness steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a consistent increase in the demand for purchasing assistants. According to the latest data by Google, the projected growth rate for the role is estimated to be around 3% annually. This signifies a positive trend, indicating potential employment opportunities for aspiring professionals in this field. The precise number of future employment opportunities is not specified, but the aforementioned growth rate suggests a promising outlook for individuals seeking to pursue a career as a Purchasing Assistant in Canada.