Procurement Specialist vs. Buyer: What Are the Differences?

A procurement specialist and buyer are both responsible for the purchasing of goods and services for their company. Though the titles are similar, there are several key differences between these two positions. In this article, we discuss the job duties, skills and experience needed for each role, as well as the average salary you can expect to earn.

What is a Procurement Specialist?

Procurement Specialists are responsible for the purchase of goods and services for their company. They work with vendors to get the best prices for products and services while also ensuring that the quality of these items meets the company’s standards. Procurement Specialists keep track of inventory levels and budget restrictions to make sure that the company is getting the most bang for its buck. They also develop relationships with vendors and suppliers to get the best deals for their company. In some cases, Procurement Specialists may also be responsible for negotiating contracts.

What is a Buyer?

Buyers are responsible for the purchasing of goods and services for their company. They work with suppliers to negotiate contracts, prices and delivery dates. Buyers also track inventory levels and forecast future needs. They create and maintain relationships with vendors and keep up with industry trends. Buyers typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to meet with vendors or attend trade shows. Some Buyers specialize in a particular type of product, such as electronics or fashion.

Procurement Specialist vs. Buyer

Here are the main differences between a procurement specialist and a buyer.

Job Duties

Procurement specialists and buyers share some job duties, such as researching marketplaces to find the best products at the most affordable prices. However, buyers have more specific job duties that involve evaluating, testing and selecting products for a company to purchase. Procurement specialists may help with these tasks, but their work mainly focuses on the procurement process, such as authorizing orders and managing shipping and transportation.

Job Requirements

Procurement specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many procurement specialists pursue certifications through the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) or the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use purchasing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Buyers also typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many buyers pursue certifications through the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) or the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use purchasing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Buyers and procurement specialists typically work in different environments. Buyers often work for companies that manufacture goods, such as clothing or electronics. They may travel to factories where they meet with manufacturers to discuss production costs and quality control measures.

Procurement specialists usually work for large corporations or government agencies. Their jobs are more administrative than buyers’, so they spend most of their time in an office setting.

Skills

Both procurement specialists and buyers use negotiation skills when they are working to secure the best possible price for the products or services their company needs. They also need to have strong research skills to be able to find vendors that offer the right mix of quality and cost-effectiveness.

Procurement specialists may need to use project management skills to oversee the procurement process from start to finish, which can involve coordinating with multiple departments within a company. They also need to be able to develop and maintain relationships with vendors. Buyers typically focus on building relationships with specific vendors that their company uses frequently.

Procurement specialists need to have strong analytical skills to be able to evaluate bids from vendors and make recommendations to their company about which vendor to use. They also need to be able to create reports that detail their findings. Buyers may not need to have as strong of analytical skills because they are usually working with a smaller pool of vendors that their company has already vetted.

Salary

Procurement specialists and buyers both work in the purchasing department of a company. Procurement specialists earn an average salary of $64,141 per year, while buyers earn an average salary of $65,540 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has.