Purchasing Job Key Terms

Find your place by understanding purchasing job key terms

By Tara McClendon, Freelance Writer/Editor Tara McClendon

People who work in purchasing jobs usually buy some type of products or goods from a wholesale manufacturer. As in many industries, there are levels of employment when it comes to purchasing jobs. The type of job you qualify for may be an entry-level job, or you might have the skills needed to work in upper management. When you understand purchasing job key terms, you'll not only be able to identify the type of job you can get, you'll also know who you need to talk to when it comes to issues such as overseas purchasing.

Junior buyer

A junior buyer position can be an entry-level job opening. Usually, a junior buyer assists a purchasing manager.
Try: To learn more about the job responsibilities for a junior buyer, read the job description at Apparel Search Company.

Senior buyer

A senior buyer has more responsibility than a junior buyer. In this position, an employee may research and solicit new accounts instead of simply acting as an assistant. Depending on the company, a senior buyer may have some management responsibilities, but those won't be the same as a purchasing manager's.
Try: The City of Phoenix offers job specifications for senior buyers.

Account manager

An account manager usually has one prime account for which he or she is responsible. In some cases, an account manager may handle a specific category of purchasing, such as clothing or accessories.
Try: JobsInLogistics.com offers a job board specific to purchasing jobs. You can view different job openings for account managers to learn more about the qualifications and skills needed for this position.

Purchasing agent

A purchasing agent may have the same responsibilities as a junior buyer, depending on the company. A purchasing agent typically doesn't have any management responsibility.
Try: CareerPlanner.com provides an overview for what a purchasing agent does.

Purchasing manager

A purchasing manager can oversee other employees, or he or she may be responsible for handling the bulk of buying. In some cases, a purchasing manager may actively search for new accounts or identify the latest trends.
Try: CareerOverview.com offers an in-depth job description for a purchasing manager.

Acquisitions sales manager

Generally an acquisitions sales manager has worked in the purchasing industry for five to 10 years. Usually, this person has an assigned territory that they oversee.
Try: Learn more from Bixee, which provides information on companies looking for acquisition sales managers.