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What does a Purchasing Administrator do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A purchasing administrator is responsible for the coordination and administration of an organization's purchasing activities. They work closely with suppliers to ensure that orders are placed and received in a timely and efficient manner. They also develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers, negotiate contracts, and monitor spending.

Purchasing Administrator job duties include:

  • Reviewing requisitions and purchase orders
  • Negotiating prices and terms with suppliers
  • Evaluating supplier performance
  • Building and maintaining supplier relationships
  • Managing supplier contracts
  • Resolving supplier or contract issues
  • Monitoring spending and cost savings
  • Identifying new suppliers
  • Coordinating with other departments to ensure timely delivery of goods

Purchasing Administrator Job Requirements

A Purchasing Administrator typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master's degree or certification in supply chain management. In addition to formal education, a Purchasing Administrator should have several years of experience working in purchasing, supply chain management, or a related field.

Purchasing Administrator Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Decision-making skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Time management skills
  • Research skills
  • Computer skills
  • Budgeting skills

Related: Top Purchasing Administrator Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Purchasing Administrator

Purchasing administrators are responsible for the procurement of materials and services for an organization. They develop and oversee purchasing policies and procedures, and ensure that purchases are made in a timely and cost-effective manner.

To become a purchasing administrator, you will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. You will also need to have several years of experience working in purchasing or a related field. Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills are essential for this position.

If you are interested in becoming a purchasing administrator, start by researching the educational requirements and job duties associated with this position. Then, look for opportunities to gain relevant experience through internships or entry-level jobs in purchasing. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can begin applying for jobs as a purchasing administrator.

Related: Purchasing Administrator Resume Example

Related: Purchasing Administrator Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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