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What does an Assistant Buyer do?

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

Published 3 min read

An assistant buyer is responsible for assisting the buyer in all aspects of purchasing merchandise and maintaining inventory levels. The assistant buyer will work closely with vendors to ensure timely delivery of goods and will also be responsible for negotiating prices and terms with vendors. In addition, the assistant buyer will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all purchases and inventory levels.

Assistant Buyer job duties include:

  • Research and select vendors based on price, quality, and delivery speed
  • Develop and maintain relationships with vendors
  • Negotiate prices and terms with vendors
  • Place orders with vendors
  • Track orders and ensure timely delivery
  • Resolve issues with vendor orders
  • Manage inventory levels and reorder products as needed
  • Process invoices and payments
  • Prepare reports on purchasing activities
  • Assist in developing purchasing strategies

Assistant Buyer Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for assistant buyers, although many have at least a bachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related field. Certification is not required, but some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a professional certification program in purchasing or supply management. Assistant buyers typically have 1-3 years of experience working in purchasing, supply chain management, or a related field.

Assistant Buyer Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Proactive
  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Flexibility
  • Organizational skills
  • Team player
  • Multitasking
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Creativity

Related: Top Assistant Buyer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Assistant Buyer

The role of an assistant buyer is to support the buyer in all aspects of their job. This includes researching products, negotiating prices, and managing inventory. As an assistant buyer, you will need to be organized and detail-oriented, as well as have strong communication and negotiation skills.

To become an assistant buyer, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Many companies also require that you have at least 2 years of experience working in retail or customer service. If you have these qualifications, the next step is to find an opening at a company that interests you. You can search for open positions on job boards or company websites.

Once you have found a position that you would like to apply for, the next step is to submit your resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience. If you are called in for an interview, be prepared to discuss your qualifications in more detail and answer any questions the interviewer may have.

Related: Assistant Buyer Resume Example

Related: Assistant Buyer 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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