Purchasing Agent

National Occupation Classification Code: 1225

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NEED TO KNOW:

What are the main duties of a Purchasing Agent in Alberta?

Purchasing Agents and officers purchase general and specialized equipment, materials and business services for use or for further processing by their establishment. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.

Purchasing Agents and officers perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Purchase general and specialized equipment, materials or business services for
    use or for further processing by their establishment
  • Assess requirements of an establishment and develop specifications for
    equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased
  • Invite tenders, consult with suppliers and review quotations
  • Determine or negotiate contract terms and conditions, award supplier contracts
    or recommend contract awards
  • Establish delivery schedules, monitor progress and contact clients and suppliers
    to resolve problems
  • May hire, train or supervise purchasing clerks

Purchasing Agents and officers may specialize in the purchase of particular materials or business services such as furniture or office equipment.

What are the requirements to work as a Purchasing Agent in Alberta?

There are a variety of ways to become a Purchasing Agent. In the past, high school graduates have started in entry level positions such as purchasing clerk, expediter or junior buyer, or working in departments where stock is processed (for example, stores or shipping/receiving). However, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have post-secondary education in business administration/commerce, supply chain management or economics, particularly for positions that involve cost analysis, legal issues and contract administration.

Some industries prefer to hire Purchasing Agents who have related background knowledge. For example, a chemical company might require purchasing agents in the company to have a diploma or degree in chemistry.

A number of employers provide training on the job for newly hired Purchasing Agents. Computer skills and familiarity with commonly used word processing, spreadsheet and database programs, and other technology used in e-commerce and for ordering is a definite asset.

Courses in purchasing, buying and finance are offered by the Extension or Continuing Education divisions of universities, colleges and technical institutes and are definite assets for advancement. Individuals who have a university degree or college/technical institute diploma with courses in business administration or commerce may be able to start at a higher level and advance more quickly.

Certification Requirements

Certified Professional Purchaser is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act.  This means that to call yourself a Certified Professional Purchaser, you must be a registered member of the Alberta Institute of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (AIPMAC). You can be a member of the AIPMAC but do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Certified Professional Purchaser.

What kind of personal characteristics do employers expect in a Purchasing Agent?

Purchasing Agents need the following characteristics:

  • good oral and written communication skills
  • good organizational skills
  • good negotiation skills and the ability to work with many different people
  • the ability to analyze purchasing options and make purchasing decisions involving
  • the ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • a good memory for details
  • the ability to adapt to a changing environment
  • resourceful, detail-oriented and a thorough researcher
  • have the confidence to make decisions involving large sums of money
  • strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to establish good
    relationships within organization as well as with suppliers and sales people
  • enjoy negotiating and are assertive and resourceful during the process

What are the working conditions of a Purchasing Agent and what kind of industries do Purchasing Agents work in?

Purchasing Agents work in an office environment. Travel, meeting deadlines or taking inventory may require working long or irregular hours.

Purchasing Agents are employed by any organization where large sums of money are spent for equipment, supplies

  • federal, provincial and municipal governments
  • construction and manufacturing companies
  • school boards
  • regional health authorities
  • post-secondary institutions 
  • large business firms

A typical advancement path might be from a clerical position to buyer and purchasing agent positions. With experience, purchasing agents may advance to management positions or move into related areas such as materials management, inventory management, traffic or transportation, quality control or finance.

Purchasing Agents are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 1225: Purchasing Agents and Officers. In Alberta, over 65 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following

What kind of salary information can I utilize to help me with my job search?

According to the 2005 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey Albertans in the Purchasing Agents and Officers occupational group working part-time or full-time earned from $19,100 to $129,200 a year. The average salary was $51,100 a year.