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C
CACI
Material Forecasting/Planning
Career Insights for Buyer (General)
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Scorecard
Based on New Jersey data
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What they do
A Buyer buys products, materials or services needed by a company or organization. Manages inventory and schedule for purchasing, works with vendors and negotiates contracts, monitors quality of supplies and services purchased. May work in farm products, manufacturing, trade or services industries.
$68,367 / year median in New Jersey
-6% projected decline
Job Description
Job Title:
Material Forecasting/Planning Job Category:
Logistics Time Type:
Full time Minimum Clearance Required toStart:
None Employee Type:
Regular Percentage of Travel Required:
None Type of Travel:
None- A Buyer or Procurement Buyer (P2 level) is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of quality materials while optimizing costs, offering opportunities for career growth, and requiring a blend of analytical, negotiation, and industry-specific expertise.
Responsibilities:
A Buyer's responsibilities involve managing the procurement process from start to finish, ensuring the organization has the materials and services necessary for operations .Core duties typically include:
- Sourcing and evaluating suppliers, conducting risk analysis, and ensuring they meet quality and compliance standards.
- Negotiating contracts and pricing to secure favorable terms, discounts, and delivery schedules.
- Managing purchase orders and tracking deliveries, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring timely fulfillment of orders.
- Monitoring market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
- Collaborating with internal teams (production, finance, logistics, quality control) to align procurement with business needs.
- Preparing reports and analyses, including spend analysis, supplier performance, and total cost of ownership calculations.
- Ensuring compliance with organizational, legal, and sustainability standards in procurement activities.
Qualifications and Skills:
To succeed as a P2 Buyer, candidates typically require a bachelor's degree in fields such as Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or Finance.Desired qualifications and skills include:
- Professional certifications like Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) for credibility and career advancement.
- 3+ years of experience in procurement, buying, or related roles, demonstrating success in supplier management, contract negotiation, and strategic sourcing.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in spend analysis, market intelligence, and financial evaluation.
- Negotiation and communication skills to manage supplier relationships and collaborate with cross-functional teams effectively.
- ERP and procurement software proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Infor, SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite.
- Project management and time management abilities for handling multiple sourcing projects and urgent requests.
- Opportunities and Career Progression
- The Buyer role offers long-term career growth and industry recognition.
Opportunities include:
- Advancement to Senior Buyer, Category Manager, or Strategic Sourcing Manager roles.
- Transition into Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, or Director-level positions.
- Specialization in specific industries (manufacturing, healthcare, retail, technology) or cross-functional areas like sustainability, CSR, or international trade.
- Professional development through certifications and exposure to high-value procurement projects, enhancing salary potential, which ranges roughly from $58,000 to over $90,000 annually depending on experience, location, and industry .