The main task of a buyer is to find suppliers for a retail company and to select the products or merchandise a company works with in the field of retail. A person in this position has to report directly to the managers and supervisors in this field, and therefore maintain strong relationships with senior officials. Another name for a buyer is a procurement manager.
A buyer must have a strong background in sales and marketing, and even more specifically, sales in the field of retail. Excellent written and oral skills are required, along with collaborative skills, outstanding time and personal management attributes, and an ability to read and decipher sales reports are a must.
A degree in marketing is usually accepted to apply for a position as buyer, although many companies prefer candidates who have advanced degrees and several years’ experience in a similar position. Salaries are generally on the advanced side, with most people in this position earning about C
$40,000 per annum.