According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures. | 91% |
| Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales. | 90% |
| Prepare bid awards requiring board approval. | 84% |
| Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies. | 84% |
| Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy. | 83% |
| Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids. | 83% |
| Administer online purchasing systems. | 82% |
| Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment. | 82% |
| Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training. | 82% |
| Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans. | 82% |
| Control purchasing department budgets. | 82% |
| Resolve vendor or contractor grievances and claims against suppliers. | 81% |
| Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability. | 81% |
| Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials. | 80% |
| Maintain records of goods ordered and received. | 80% |
| Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers. | 80% |
| Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs. | 64% |
| Arrange for disposal of surplus materials. | 62% |