Purchasing Agents and Officers
(NOC 1225)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationPurchasing agents and officers purchase general and specialized equipment, materials, land or access rights and business services for use or for further processing by their organization. They work throughout the public and private sectors. Purchasing agents and officers may specialize in buying specific materials or business services like furniture or office equipment.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Purchasing Agents and Officers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 78% of Purchasing Agents and Officers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $52,448. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$19.23
Minimum$26.00
Median$45.67
MaximumAnnual Pay
$24,953
Minimum$50,671
Median$80,371
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$27.85
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Purchasing agents and officers purchase general and specialized equipment, materials, land or access rights and business services for use or for further processing by their organization. They work throughout the public and private sectors. Purchasing agents and officers may specialize in buying specific materials or business services like furniture or office equipment.
Job duties
Purchasing agents and officers:
- Buy general and specialized equipment, materials, land or access rights, or business services for use or for further processing by their organization.
- Assess requirements of an organization and develop specifications for equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased.
- Invite tenders, consult with suppliers and review quotes.
- Negotiate contract terms and conditions, award supplier contracts or recommend contract awards.
- Organize logistics of delivery schedules, monitor progress and contact clients and suppliers to solve problems.
- Negotiate land purchase or access rights for public or private use and may carry out field investigations of properties.
- May hire, train or supervise purchasing clerks.
Sample job titles
- advertising buyer
- contract management officer
- contracts officer
- energy asset surface land analyst
- furniture and furnishings purchaser
- government supply officer
- material management officer
- procurement officer
- purchasing agent
- right-of-way agent
Skills
You need excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. You must have good negotiation skills and be attentive to detail. The ability to analyze detailed information accurately and quickly is necessary to make decisions. You must have initiative and be willing to accept new ideas and take risks. You must be efficient and aware of customer needs. Familiarity with computers would be helpful.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce or economics.
- Purchasing agents and officers purchasing specialized materials or business services may need a related university degree or college diploma. For example, a bachelor's degree or college diploma in engineering may be necessary for purchasers of industrial products.
- Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) from Supply Chain Canada may be required.
- Experience as a purchasing clerk or as an administrative clerk may be required.
- Certification from the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) may be required.
Other considerations
Movement to managerial positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$50,610 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,754 median annual incomeBachelor
$54,926 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$51,054 median annual incomeMaster
N/ACompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Business Administration and Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. They include courses in management theory, human resources management and behaviour, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
Economics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of the production, conservation and allocation of resources in conditions of scarcity, together with the organizational frameworks related to these processes. They include courses in economic theory, microeconomics and macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, money and banking systems, international economics, quantitative analytical methods, and applications to specific industries and public policy issues.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Professional Designation: Professional designation exists and shows that the holder has met the standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.