Purchasing Officers

What is a Purchasing Officer?

Summary

Sometimes referred to as a Procurement Officer or Buyer, a Purchasing Officer is responsible for securing and purchasing the goods, materials, products, and services needed for a business to operate effectively. Purchasing Officers are significantly important in the manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and construction industries as they are a key point of contact when it comes to obtaining the necessary materials and equipment to meet business requirements, while also collecting accurate financial records and controlling business costs. A key role for a Purchasing Officers is to negotiate with suppliers to further meet budgeting requirements and procurement processes effectively.

Woman in a warehouse writing on a clip board wearing hi vis and a blue hard hat

Key Responsibilities of a Purchasing Officer

Depending on the industry or business requirements, Purchasing Officers can be expected to perform many key tasks across various industry sectors, such as:

    • Building strong supplier relationships by evaluating product and service offerings against cost, quality, reliability, and service.
    • Negotiating prices and deals with suppliers for better product quality or an increased product quantity.
    • Working with inventory controllers to maintain stock supply levels and track profits and losses on goods.
    • Placing orders in a timely and cost-effective manner to ensure goods are provided as required and without any hidden fees.
    • Maintaining accurate documentation of purchases, supplier agreements, and other inventory concerns.

How to Get a Job as a Purchasing Officer in Australia

  • Get the Certifications: When working in any high-risk environment, you must hold a White Card. To become a Purchasing Officer, a certificate, diploma or degree in business, supply chain management, or procurement is usually preferred.
  • Learn Key Skills: The best way to learn the key skills needed to become a Purchasing Officer is to get experience on site as an inventory controller or procurement assistant. Practical experience in the logistics or procurement industry is important to understanding the skill requirements for a Purchasing Officer.
  • Showcase your Soft Skills: Purchasing Officers are required to negotiate and crunch numbers. Therefore, having great attention to detail and good communication skills is valued in this role.
  • Search for Jobs: Consider reaching out to staffing and employment agencies that specialise in filling business support roles for FMCG and manufacturing companies.
  • Prepare a Strong Resume: Tailor your resume to the specific role you’re applying for.

5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What qualifications do I need to become a Purchasing Officer? 

A diploma or degree in business, supply chain management, logistics or procurement is usually required. However, there are many pathways that can be explored. Getting trained on-the-job as an inventory controller or procurement assistant can lead to securing a Purchasing Officer role.

What industries or businesses will hire Purchasing Officers in Australia?

Purchasing Officers can be hired to support both white-collar and blue-collar industry sectors, such as: manufacturing, construction, mining, retail, healthcare or government service roles.

What kinds of skills does a business look for when they hire a Purchasing Officer?

Important skills for a Purchasing Officer to acquire includes; analytical skills, communication skills, sales/negotiation skills and proficiency in using inventory management and payment software.

What is the average income for a Purchasing Officer in Australia?

Depending on the industry or job requirements, The average full-time Purchasing Officer can expect to earn an annual income between: $70,000 and $80,000.

*This is to be used as a guide only and is not a representation of the roles we currently have available.

Join the Industry!

Are you looking for the next opportunity to work as a Purchasing Officer or Inventory Controller? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Register with Staff Australia or Apply now!

Searching for a Purchasing Officer?

Finding quality staff is our job.

Staff Australia has filled thousands of vacancies with skilled and motivated workers. People are our business and we know how important it is to have the right team in place, we’ll work overtime to find the best fit.

Contact us so we can help you to find the right candidate for the job!