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Buyer (Purchasing Agents)
Industry: Manufacturing
Area: Supply Chain
Lower level purchasing agents prepare and place purchase orders for group of commodities, supplies and materials where standard prices are usually quoted, applying general policies and standard procedures to varying conditions and circumstances. Higher level purchasing agents perform buying assignments of a comprehensive nature requiring substantial experience in complex commodities. They may purchase high-cost and/or high-volume raw materials or fabricated assembly components. Top- level buyers may make major purchasing decisions such as selecting a full product line.
Work Settings
Office setting; may travel to suppliers. The average workweek is 40 hours. While many manufacturers operate 24 hours/day, this position usually works during first shift.
Education
Lower level buyers need an Associates degree and 1-2 years of job related experience. Higher level buyers need a Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years experience. Top level buyers need a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years experience.
Job Outlook
See US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm) for latest information
Salary
Average weekly earnings in CNY in 2005 ranged from $690 to $1,198.