You will probably have to source sellers in an everchanging market.it depends what the company is looking for are they strictly looking for a buyer for a commodity are they expecting inventory control does the market fluctuate on the items you are buying you will have to be more knowledgeable than your coopetition on the items your looking for are these items seasonal are you looking for top tear quality what quantities are you looking for are you a market maker there is so much involved in buying you might have to use phycology and manipulative tactics it depends what kind of buyer you will be is it a one time deal with the certain purveyor or will you have a relationship there are too many variables knowledge is everything you need to know your product in and out better that the seller to win. Its a chess game are you buying train loads milions of metric tons from country to country or are you buying cans from garbage collectors lol

Depends on what kind of buyer you want to be: you can do the minimum which is close your door and run numbers as day. Or you can lead the department into the future by working on understanding turns, inventory mgmt. How-to buy to reduce having capital tied up in inventory. You can work on terms and see where you can take advantage on terms for discounts. This is just the tip of the ice berg that you can assume responsibility on and start making a difference in how a company spends its capital.

Depends on who you work for Darren. With your experience in purchasing for the past 5 years, your familiarity with Microsoft Excel may not be a major hurdle. Different companies have varying expectations regarding Excel proficiency for buyer roles. Your expertise in purchasing is likely to outweigh any potential Excel limitations.

Meanwhile, You can take free online tutorials for setting up excel spreadsheets and learning how to create formulas and functions etc.

Find the company standard. Submit quotes with three vendors. Find out what the policy are on warranty and return. Knowledge of asset management and inventories.

Knowledge of excel spread sheets and formal

Thank you for the advice.

As a Buyer, you would typically be responsible for sourcing products, negotiating prices with suppliers, managing inventory levels, and analyzing market trends. With your 5 years of experience in buying, you likely have the foundational skills needed for a buyer role. Basic Excel skills are generally used in conducting data analysis, creating reports, and managing budgets. To enhance your job search, consider exploring opportunities on Jobcase, as well as other job search platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Good luck!