What Does a Purchasing Coordinator Do?

Purchasing coordinators are responsible for managing the purchasing process for their organization. They work with vendors to ensure that their company has access to the materials and products it needs to operate effectively.

Purchasing coordinators may also be responsible for ensuring that all of the company’s suppliers adhere to its standards for quality, safety, and other factors.

Purchasing Coordinator Job Duties

A purchasing coordinator typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Ensuring that all invoices are processed correctly and on time
• Negotiating with vendors to get the best possible prices on materials or services
• Coordinating purchasing activities with other departments within the company to ensure consistency in approach, terminology, and implementation
• Reviewing quotes from vendors to ensure that they meet all requirements and specifications of the job
• Management of inventory levels by monitoring stock levels and ordering additional supplies when needed
• Preparing purchase orders for all materials, equipment, and other items needed for the company’s production process
• Communicating with suppliers regarding orders and shipping schedules
• Reviewing bids from potential new suppliers to determine if they would be a good fit for the company
• Preparing reports on inventory levels and purchase activity to help management make business decisions

Purchasing Coordinator Salary & Outlook

Purchasing coordinators’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $49,000 ($23.56/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $89,500 ($43.03/hour)

The employment of purchasing coordinators is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Demand for purchasing coordinators depends largely on the demand for goods and services produced by their employers. As long as manufacturing firms continue to expand their operations, demand for purchasing coordinators will continue to grow. However, automation may limit the need for these workers in some industries.

Related: Purchasing Coordinator Interview Questions and Answers

Purchasing Coordinator Job Requirements

The following are some of the qualifications that are often required to become a purchasing coordinator:

Education: A bachelor’s degree is often a minimum requirement to become a purchasing coordinator. Some purchasing coordinators may have a degree in purchasing, supply chain management or business administration.

Training & Experience: Purchasing coordinators typically receive on-the-job training to learn the specific processes and procedures of their role. Training may include shadowing a current purchasing coordinator or other employee until they are comfortable enough to complete tasks on their own. Purchasing coordinators may also receive training in purchasing software and other computer programs they may use in their role.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not often required for purchasing coordinators, they can earn certifications to improve their chances of getting a job and increasing their earning potential.

Purchasing Coordinator Skills

Purchasing coordinators need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information through speech or writing. As a purchasing coordinator, you may be responsible for communicating with suppliers, managers and other employees. Strong communication skills can help you convey information clearly and answer questions effectively.

Organization: As a purchasing coordinator, you may be responsible for maintaining records of supplier information, contracts and other important documents. Strong organizational skills can help you keep track of all the information you need to complete your job duties.

Negotiation: Negotiation is the ability to persuade others to agree to your terms. As a purchasing coordinator, you may be responsible for negotiating with suppliers to secure the best prices for your company. This can be a complex process that requires you to be knowledgeable about the market and the products you’re negotiating for.

Time management: Time management is a crucial skill for purchasing coordinators, as they often have multiple tasks to complete within a short period of time. Having good time management skills can help purchasing coordinators prioritize their tasks and complete them on time.

Detail-oriented: A purchasing coordinator needs to be detail-oriented to ensure they have all the information they need to complete their tasks. This includes being able to read and understand contracts, invoices and other paperwork. Being detail-oriented can also help you keep track of your company’s inventory and ensure you order the correct amount of supplies.

Purchasing Coordinator Work Environment

Purchasing coordinators work in a variety of settings, including manufacturing plants, warehouses, offices, and stores. They typically work regular business hours, although they may occasionally work overtime to meet deadlines. Purchasing coordinators typically work on teams with other purchasing coordinators, buyers, and managers. They may also interact with suppliers, vendors, and customers. Purchasing coordinators must be able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. They must also be able to negotiate prices and terms with suppliers and vendors.

Purchasing Coordinator Trends

Here are three trends influencing how purchasing coordinators work. Purchasing coordinators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Supply Chain Management

The growth of supply chain management is a trend that is quickly changing the way businesses operate. As companies become more globalized, they are realizing the importance of having a strong supply chain in order to keep up with the competition.

This trend is creating an increased demand for purchasing coordinators who have experience in managing complex supply chains. Purchasing coordinators can use this trend to their advantage by developing skills that will make them more valuable to employers.

More Collaboration Between Buyers and Suppliers

The trend of increased collaboration between buyers and suppliers is becoming more common as businesses look for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This means that purchasing coordinators will need to be able to work effectively with both sides of the transaction in order to get the best deal for their company.

In addition, purchasing coordinators will need to be able to manage relationships with suppliers in order to ensure that they are providing quality products at a fair price.

Greater Focus on Sustainability

As businesses become more aware of the impact that their operations have on the environment, they are beginning to focus on sustainability as a core value. This is leading to a greater focus on sourcing materials and products that are sustainable, which is where purchasing coordinators come in.

By understanding the latest trends in sustainability, purchasing coordinators can help their company to source products that are environmentally friendly while still meeting their needs. In addition, they can also help to educate other employees about the importance of sustainability and how it can be implemented in their daily work.

How to Become a Purchasing Coordinator

A purchasing coordinator career can be a great way to get your foot in the door of a company. As a purchasing coordinator, you’ll be responsible for managing the procurement process and ensuring that the company has the necessary supplies and materials it needs to operate effectively.

This is a great role for someone who wants to learn about different aspects of business and who enjoys working with people. You’ll need to have excellent communication skills and be able to work well under pressure.

If you want to become a purchasing coordinator, start by gaining experience in an industry that uses a lot of products and materials. This will give you a better understanding of how companies buy and use these items. Also, take courses in business administration and marketing so that you have a broader knowledge base.

Advancement Prospects

Purchasing coordinators typically start out in entry-level positions and advance to coordinator positions with more responsibility. With experience, they may advance to purchasing manager positions.

Purchasing coordinators who have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field may have better advancement prospects. Those who have taken courses in supply chain management, logistics, or materials management also may have an advantage.

Purchasing Coordinator Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we’re always searching for new and innovative ways to improve our products and services. To support this goal, we’re looking for a purchasing coordinator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in procurement, contract negotiation, and vendor management. He or she will be responsible for researching and identifying new vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing relationships with existing vendors. The purchasing coordinator will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all purchases and ensuring that all purchasing activities are in compliance with company policies and procedures.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all purchasing inquiries, orders, and vendor communications
• Review requisitions and purchase orders to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies
• Research potential vendors and compare pricing to secure the best possible deals on behalf of the company
• Negotiate contract terms with vendors and suppliers, ensuring favorable conditions for the company
• Place orders with vendors and track delivery status to ensure timely arrival of goods and services
• Maintain up-to-date records of all purchase orders, invoices, and receipts
• Resolve any discrepancies with invoices or deliveries in a timely and efficient manner
• Monitor inventory levels and reorder supplies as needed to avoid stock outs
• Prepare reports detailing purchases, costs, and savings for management review
• Stay abreast of industry trends and new products/services that could benefit the company
• Attend trade shows and conferences to network with potential vendors
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or related field
• 3-5 years experience in purchasing or similar role
• Exceptional negotiation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• MBA or other advanced degree
• CPP or APICS certification
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
• Working knowledge of import/export regulations
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles