116-Buyers

Job Title: 

Buyers

Job Description: 

Buy goods and services for use or resale on behalf of industrial, commercial, government or other establishments and organizations

Summary: 

Buyers (Purchasing Specialists) research, compare and plan, coordinate the purchasing process in an organization. They negotiate and generate contracts with service providers/suppliers and organize the issuance of purchase requisitions detailing the goods, products or services to be provided. They establish and maintain a service provider/supplier list including preferred provider list where part of the organization?s policy, and develop relationships with them. Their primary objective is to negotiate with suppliers to obtain the best combination of prices, quality and services. They may also monitor and coordinate quality assurance measure in relation to affirming contractual deliverables in ongoing or long-term contract arrangements.

Tasks: 

Job activities and tasks include:

  • determining or negotiating contract terms and conditions, awarding supplier contracts or recommending contract awards for the purchase of equipment, raw materials products, services and the purchasing of merchandise for resale
  • obtaining information about requirements and stock and developing specifications for quantity and quality to be purchased, costs, delivery dates and other contract conditions
  • purchasing general and specialized equipment, materials or business services for use or for further processing by their establishment
  • inviting tenders, consulting with suppliers and reviewing quotations
  • purchasing merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale establishments
  • studying market reports, trade periodicals and sales promotion materials and visiting trade shows, showrooms, factories and product design events
  • selecting the merchandise or products that best fit the establishment?s requirements
  • interviewing suppliers and negotiating prices, discounts, credit terms and transportation arrangements
  • overseeing distribution of merchandise to outlets and maintaining adequate stock levels
  • establishing delivery schedules, monitoring progress and contacting clients and suppliers to resolve problems
Knowledge: 

Specialist knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in field of work and/or discipline

  • Higher knowledge of analyzing, planning, organizing and establishing policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions in the field of work and/or discipline
  • Broad knowledge of research principles and methods
  • Broad knowledge of high level governance of systems, processes and procedures including legislative, regulatory, standards, codes and conventions
  • Knowledge of recent developments in the field of work and/or discipline
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in management, economics, finance, statistics and fiscal disciplines related to the field of work
  • Knowledge of political, government, legislative and regulatory systems related to the field of work
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, standards codes and conventions of the UAE and specific Emirates related to the field of work and/or discipline and more general subjects including OHSE and cultural understanding and awareness
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in sensitively responding to and observing complex ethical issues
  • Effect information technology, management information systems, management techniques and tools for optimal field of work performance
  • Skills in research, analysis, consultation and synthesis of information to evaluate policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions and develop suggestions and/or relevant options
  • Manage broad level relationships and coordinate related activities of respective stakeholders
  • Broad skills and experience in policy analysis, formulation and research, in a sensitive and confidential environment
  • Produce concepts and convey suggestions from the spectrum of development experience
  • Negotiation cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills
  • Use of information, tools, resources to support complex work achievement
  • Work sensitively and effectively in a multi-cultural environment
  • Work with others to develop solutions to complex problems
  • Communicate with effect, and proven record of developing and maintaining active partnerships across an organization and with diverse external clients and other key stakeholders
  • Developed higher oral and written communication, interpersonal and representational skills, and a proven ability to use these skills to prepare and present clear, concise, high quality advice
  • Well developed leadership and effective organizational skills, with capacity to organize and sustain improvements within a team environment, as well as the ability to work flexibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
  • Personal drive and integrity, the ability to self-manage and the capacity to identify and control risks associated with change, as well comply with ethical standards
  • Achieving results within tight timelines, and capacity to implement new policy directions
  • Highly developed organizational skills, including the ability to organize priorities and meet tight deadlines.
    • Work Context: 

    Usually work in offices with regular hours. They may travel locally, nationally or internationally to visit or meet suppliers and service providers and to undertake research in relation to them. They may also attend conferences and seminars. They may travel to other branches and offices to discuss and confirm purchasing requirements. Conditions at months-end may become be stressful due to heavy workloads to meet deadlines and payment schedules.

    Education: 

    Certificate in procurement and contracting, purchasing, business administration or related field of work/discipline, higher qualification or equivalent.

    Required Work Experience: 

    2 - 3 years and above

    Probable Employers: 

    Al Futtaim Group, Shalhoub Group, Al Tayer Group, Emirates Steel, DUBAL, Dnata, Etihad Rail, Mubadala Aero Space, Mubadala Oil and Gas

    Occupational Size: 
    More than 5,000 and less than 30,000
    Expected Earnings: 

    Above the industry average

    Projected Growth: 
    Very good
    Alternate Titles: 

    Examples of job titles:
    Buyer - Purchasing agent - Procurement officer - Supply officer - Purchasing merchandiser
    Examples of some related occupations:
    Commodities broker - Procurement specialist - Purchasing assistant - Purchasing clerk - Procurement assistant - Purchasing specialist - Departmental buyer - Procurement officer - Purchasing associate - Warehouse clerk

    UAE Industry Groups: 
    Business, administration, tourism, retail and leisure service
    International Careers(ISCO): 
    Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
    Source Of Info: 
    Occupations and Careers Handbook for UAE Nationals(Copyright NQA ). Referenced from New York University, Abu Dhabhi