Description

An Associate Buyer is responsible for assisting with the procurement of goods and services for a company. They work closely with the procurement team to identify and evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely delivery of products. The Associate Buyer also researches market trends and pricing to make informed purchasing decisions and optimize cost savings. They collaborate with various departments, such as marketing and sales, to understand their needs and requirements in order to source the most suitable products. Additionally, the Associate Buyer maintains accurate records of purchases, inventory levels, and supplier performance to support financial analysis and improve overall procurement processes. The role requires strong analytical skills to analyze data and make data-driven decisions, as well as excellent communication and negotiation skills to effectively liaise with suppliers. The Associate Buyer must stay updated with industry trends and best practices to identify cost-saving opportunities and provide recommendations. They should also be able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, with strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks accordingly. Ultimately, the Associate Buyer plays a crucial role in ensuring the company has the right products at the right time and at the best possible price.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Associate Buyer with 0-3 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Support the procurement process by conducting market research, analyzing suppliers, and obtaining competitive quotes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute procurement strategies, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
  • Assist in negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers, ensuring favorable pricing and terms for the organization.
  • Monitor inventory levels, track order status, and resolve any discrepancies or issues to ensure smooth supply chain operations.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Associate Buyer, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong negotiation skills to effectively communicate with suppliers and secure favorable pricing and terms for the company.
  • Proficient in market research and analysis to identify trends, evaluate product quality, and make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Excellent organizational abilities to manage inventory levels, track orders, and ensure timely delivery of goods.
  • Knowledge of supply chain management principles to optimize procurement processes and minimize costs while maintaining quality standards.

Essential Skills For Associate Buyer

1

Negotiation

2

Branding

3

Microsoft Excel

Skills That Affect Associate Buyer Salaries

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

Negotiation

1%

Branding

4%

Microsoft Excel

1%

Career Prospects

The Associate Buyer job role in Canada offers a range of opportunities for professionals with 0-3 years of experience. Here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Category Analyst: A role that involves analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies to support effective buying decisions.
  • Inventory Planner: A position focused on optimizing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and ensuring product availability while minimizing carrying costs.
  • Supplier Relationship Coordinator: A role that involves building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely deliveries, and resolving any issues that may arise.
  • E-commerce Merchandiser: A position focused on managing the online product assortment, optimizing product listings, and driving sales through effective merchandising strategies.

How to Learn

According to recent data from Google, the projected growth of the Associate Buyer role in the Canadian market is expected to be positive. Over the past 10 years, there has been steady growth in this job role, indicating a promising trend. Looking ahead, there are anticipated to be increasing employment opportunities for Associate Buyers in the future. Taking into account the latest data points, it is likely that this position will continue to expand and provide ample job prospects for individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field.