Description

A purchaser is responsible for coordinating purchases of various products and services for their company. They order supplies, inventory, equipment, and services for all departments in the company. They also have to ensure that they are keeping costs under control while not sacrificing quality in the items and services they buy.

They submit purchase orders in accordance with their company's policies and also verify that the order has been placed and that delivery has occurred. They also reconcile shipments, manifests, back-ordered items, and damaged items, and they also follow through with the supplier to correct any discrepancies. A purchaser must also maintain a database of vendor contacts and also constantly be on the lookout for new suppliers that may be able to more effectively supply a product or service than an existing supplier. A purchase also acts as a liaison between their department and all other departments in the company, and they may also be responsible for conducting necessary background checks to allow vendors access to the company. In addition to the above duties, a purchaser also has to maintain accurate records of all transactions with suppliers, answer phones, and schedule meetings with vendor representatives as needed.

Due to the nature of their job, familiarity with computers is a necessity, specifically with word processing and spreadsheet applications. A familiarity with the Internet is also crucial, as more and more business is being conducted online. It is also crucial that a purchaser be able to multitask and adjust their workflow as needed and to work without direct supervision.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Purchaser with 0-3 years of experience in Singapore, your main responsibilities include:

  • Source and evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely delivery of goods and services. Conduct supplier research, assess their capabilities, and negotiate favorable terms and conditions.
  • Monitor inventory levels, track purchase orders, and manage the procurement process efficiently. Maintain accurate records of inventory, generate purchase orders, and coordinate with internal teams for order fulfillment.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to determine procurement needs, forecast demand, and optimize costs. Work closely with departments to understand their requirements, anticipate future demands, and implement cost-effective strategies.
  • Conduct market research to stay updated on industry trends, prices, and availability of goods and services.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Purchaser job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Knowledge of procurement processes and supply chain management to effectively source and purchase goods and services for the organization.
  • Strong negotiation skills to secure the best prices and terms from suppliers, ensuring cost savings and maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Analytical abilities to analyze market trends, monitor inventory levels, and forecast future demand, enabling effective purchasing decisions.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with suppliers, build strong relationships, and resolve any purchasing-related issues promptly.

Essential Skills For Purchaser

1

Inventory Management

2

Negotiation

3

Microsoft Excel

4

Management Acquisitions

Skills That Affect Purchaser Salaries

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

Inventory Management

6%

Negotiation

17%

Microsoft Excel

4%

Management Acquisitions

8%

Career Prospects

For a Purchaser job role with 0-3 years of experience in Singapore, there are several alternative roles worth exploring. Here are following options to consider:

  • Inventory Coordinator: A role focused on maintaining optimal levels of inventory, coordinating with suppliers, and tracking stock movements to ensure timely availability of materials.
  • Logistics Coordinator: A position that involves coordinating the transportation and delivery of goods, managing shipping schedules, and optimizing supply chain processes.
  • Supplier Relationship Executive: A role centered around cultivating and managing relationships with key suppliers, ensuring timely deliveries, negotiating contracts, and resolving any issues that may arise.
  • Sourcing Analyst: A position focused on conducting market research, analyzing supplier capabilities and pricing, identifying potential cost-saving opportunities, and supporting the sourcing team in making informed purchasing decisions.

How to Learn

The role of a Purchaser in Singapore is expected to witness substantial growth in the market. Over the next ten years, the job role is projected to experience a positive trajectory, with an increasing demand for skilled professionals. The proliferation of industries and businesses in Singapore will create significant employment opportunities for Purchasers. The role involves strategic sourcing, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships to ensure smooth operations. As the Singaporean economy continues to expand and diversify, the need for efficient procurement processes will contribute to the rising demand for Purchasers in various sectors.