Description

A Junior Buyer is responsible for assisting the Senior Buyer in the procurement of goods and services for a company. They work closely with vendors to negotiate prices, terms, and delivery schedules to ensure that the company obtains the best possible value for its purchases. Junior Buyers also maintain relationships with suppliers, resolving any issues that may arise and ensuring that orders are fulfilled on time and to the company's specifications. In addition, they are responsible for analyzing market trends and supplier capabilities to identify potential risks and opportunities for the company. Junior Buyers may also assist in creating and maintaining vendor databases, preparing purchase orders, and tracking inventory levels to ensure that the company always has the necessary supplies on hand. They must possess strong analytical and negotiating skills, as well as excellent attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure. Junior Buyers should also have good communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be working closely with both internal and external stakeholders. They should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team and be able to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. A Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field is typically required for this role.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Junior Buyer with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Collaborating with suppliers to negotiate prices, terms, and contracts for the procurement of goods and services. Actively engage with suppliers to secure favorable prices, terms, and contractual agreements for purchasing goods and services.
  • Conducting market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their credibility and suitability. Perform thorough market research and analysis to identify reliable suppliers and assess their credibility and suitability for procurement needs.
  • Managing the end-to-end procurement process, including issuing purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and ensuring timely and accurate payment processing. Oversee the entire procurement process, from issuing purchase orders to monitoring deliveries and ensuring prompt and accurate payment processing.
  • Monitoring inventory levels, forecasting demand, and coordinating with other departments to optimize inventory management.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Junior Buyer, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong negotiation skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with vendors in order to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
  • Excellent analytical abilities to assess supplier performance, analyze market trends, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Detail-oriented approach to accurately analyze and interpret purchase requisitions, specifications, and contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and computer skills to efficiently manage procurement systems, conduct market research, and prepare reports to support decision-making processes.

Essential Skills For Junior Buyer

1

Negotiation

2

Strategic Sourcing

3

Procurement Analysis

Skills That Affect Junior Buyer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Negotiation

9%

Management Acquisitions

6%

Procurement Analysis

9%

Career Prospects

The role of a Junior Buyer is crucial in ensuring efficient procurement processes and supplier management. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Category Manager: A position that involves strategic planning and management of specific product or service categories to optimize procurement and drive cost savings.
  • Supply Chain Analyst: A role focused on analyzing and optimizing supply chain operations, including inventory management, demand forecasting, and logistics coordination.
  • Vendor Relationship Manager: A position that entails building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
  • Sourcing Specialist: A role that involves identifying and evaluating potential suppliers, conducting market research, and negotiating contracts to secure the best terms and pricing for the organization.

How to Learn

The role of Junior Buyer in Canada is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the job role has seen a steady increase in demand and is projected to continue this trend in the future. With a strong focus on supply chain management, purchasing, and negotiation skills, Junior Buyers are becoming indispensable in various industries. According to Google, there will be a substantial number of employment opportunities available for aspiring Junior Buyers, as companies recognize their importance in driving cost savings and operational efficiency. Overall, the future looks promising for individuals pursuing a career as a Junior Buyer in Canada.