Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services

Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices

Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations

Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history

Attend meetings, trade shows, conferences, conventions, and seminars to network with people in other purchasing departments

Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action

Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes

Maintain and review computerized or manual records of items purchased, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories

Arrange the payment of duty and freight charges

Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices

Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and internet sites and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services

Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts

Formulate policies and procedures for bid proposals and procurement of goods and services

Hire, train, or supervise purchasing clerks, buyers, and expediters

Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies

Write and review product specifications, maintaining a working technical knowledge of the goods or services to be purchased

Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives

Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time and resolve problems related to undelivered goods

Monitor changes affecting supply and demand, tracking market conditions and price trends