Purchasing agent
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices and warehouses
- Need to be responsible, make decisions and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Find and order products and services for businesses
- Research and choose new suppliers
- Negotiate prices and contracts with suppliers
- Buy goods and services for companies
- Monitor stock levels and needs
- Manage payment and delivery records
- Work with staff to define needs
- Analyse financial data and adjust plans
- Keep up with market trends and demand
- Maintain accurate data in systems
Outlook
Purchasing is increasingly influenced by supply-chain disruption, changing costs, sustainability expectations and digital procurement systems. New Zealand organisations often rely on imported goods, making international shipping, exchange rates and supplier reliability important. Online purchasing platforms and data tools are helping organisations compare options and track orders. Routine tasks may be automated, while supplier relationships and careful purchasing decisions remain important.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong organisation and attention to detail
- Ability to compare prices, quality and supplier options
- Clear communication with suppliers and internal teams
- Confidence using purchasing systems and spreadsheets
- Understanding of basic contracts and purchasing procedures
- Awareness of ethical and sustainable purchasing choices
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.