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What does an Associate Buyer do?

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

Published 3 min read

An Associate Buyer is responsible for the purchasing of assigned categories of merchandise and works with vendors to negotiate pricing, quality, and delivery terms. They also develop and maintain relationships with vendors and monitor market trends.

Associate Buyer job duties include:

  • Reviewing plans, specifications, and bid documents to determine product or service need
  • Determining the best source for products or services based on price, quality, and delivery
  • Negotiating pricing and terms with vendors
  • Creating and issuing purchase orders
  • Monitoring vendor performance to ensure compliance with contractual terms
  • Managing inventory levels to ensure adequate supply while minimizing excess stock
  • Resolving issues with defective or non-conforming products or services
  • Processing invoices and payments in a timely manner
  • Maintaining accurate records of all purchases, pricing, and vendor information
  • Providing reports on purchasing activity and trends as needed

Associate Buyer Job Requirements

An Associate Buyer typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in business, although a degree in a related field such as economics or finance is also acceptable. Certification is not required, but can be helpful in advancing one's career. Experience is also helpful, although many companies are willing to train new employees in the methods and procedures of their organization.

Associate Buyer Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Procurement
  • Negotiation
  • Supplier management
  • Inventory management
  • Cost analysis
  • Financial analysis
  • Planning and forecasting
  • Demand planning
  • Supply chain management
  • Category management
  • Retail math

Related: Top Associate Buyer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Associate Buyer

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming an Associate Buyer, but there are a few key steps that will help you on your way. First, it is important to develop a strong understanding of the retail industry and the various channels through which merchandise is bought and sold. This can be accomplished through formal education, such as a degree in business or marketing, or through work experience in a related field. Secondly, it is helpful to build a network of contacts within the industry, including buyers at other retailers, suppliers, and sales representatives. These relationships can provide valuable insights into the world of buying and selling merchandise. Finally, it is important to have strong analytical skills and be able to think strategically in order to identify opportunities and make sound decisions about merchandise assortments.

Related: Associate Buyer Resume Example

Related: Associate 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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