Purchasing Coordinator vs. Buyer: What Are the Differences?

Purchasing coordinators and buyers are both involved in the process of acquiring goods and services for their company. Though their job duties may overlap, there are several key differences between these two positions. In this article, we discuss the job duties of a purchasing coordinator and a buyer, the skills and qualifications needed for each role and the average salary you can expect to earn.

What is a Purchasing Coordinator?

Purchasing Coordinators work in a variety of industries to streamline the purchasing process for their company. They develop and implement purchasing policies and procedures, track and report on purchasing activity and maintain supplier relationships. Purchasing Coordinators work with buyers to identify and select vendors, negotiate prices and terms, and track purchase orders. They also work with accounting staff to reconcile invoices and ensure that payments are made in a timely manner. Purchasing Coordinators typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management or a related field.

What is a Buyer?

A Buyer is a professional who is responsible for purchasing the raw materials or products that a company needs to produce its finished goods or provide its services. The Buyer works with suppliers to negotiate the best terms for price, quality and delivery of the goods or materials. The Buyer also manages the inventory of goods and materials, ensuring that the company has the necessary supplies on hand to meet customer demand. In some cases, the Buyer may also be responsible for planning and coordinating the transportation of the goods or materials to the company’s facilities.

Purchasing Coordinator vs. Buyer

Here are the main differences between a purchasing coordinator and a buyer.

Job Duties

Purchasing coordinators typically have a more administrative job role than buyers. They’re in charge of managing the procurement process, which involves creating purchase orders and communicating with suppliers to ensure products arrive on time and meet the company’s standards. This can involve scheduling meetings, taking product samples for quality assurance and drafting correspondence.

Buyers have more autonomy within their jobs because they work closely with manufacturers and suppliers to create long-term business agreements. These professionals are in charge of finding new sources for raw materials or finished products that the company uses in its production processes. They may research potential vendors, visit sites where the products are made and test samples before making any commitments.

Job Requirements

Purchasing coordinators 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 purchasing coordinators 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. However, some employers may require buyers to have a master’s degree. 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

Purchasing coordinators typically work in an office environment, often for a large company. They may travel to trade shows or other events where they can meet with vendors and discuss new products. Buyers usually work in an office setting as well, but they also travel frequently to visit suppliers and attend trade shows.

A buyer’s job is more likely to involve physical labor than a purchasing coordinator’s job. For example, buyers may need to lift heavy boxes of inventory or climb ladders to access materials. Purchasing coordinators rarely perform physical labor because their jobs are mostly administrative.

Skills

Purchasing coordinators and buyers both use negotiation skills when they are working with vendors to secure the best prices for products and services. They also need to have strong communication skills to build relationships with vendors and explain their company’s needs.

Purchasing coordinators typically need to have excellent organizational skills to keep track of orders, manage inventory and coordinate shipping schedules. They also need to be detail-oriented to ensure that all orders are accurate and meet the specifications set by their company. Buyers may also need to have some knowledge of accounting and finance to understand budgets and make sure that they stay within their department’s spending limits.

Salary

The average salary for a purchasing coordinator is $51,983 per year, while the average salary for a buyer is $65,540 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has.