Procurement Clerks
Procurement clerks compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for the procurement of materials and services.
Procurement clerks, also known as purchasing clerks, are administrative staff who manage the buying activities for an organization. Their responsibilities include preparing purchase orders, coordinating with other company departments and outside suppliers, checking shipment and transport arrangements, and calculating costs. They maintain databases and paperwork on inventory, suppliers, buyers, employees and other operational aspects.
A procurement clerk's certification is needed to be familiar with their business’ products. They may be required to determine whether inventory is sufficient or if ordering more is necessary. They contact customers/buyers regarding their orders, answer order related queries and prepare inventory for shipment. In certain businesses, purchasing clerks need to follow organizational and governmental rules around inventory and purchasing and insure their subordinates do the same.
A resume summary for procurement clerks is a bachelor's degree in supply chain management or a related operations field. Professional business administration certification may be useful to secure employment. One also needs some experience before working in a supervisor role.
To be successful and earn a decent procurement clerk salary, one is expected to be a good negotiator and an active listener. Other useful skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, decision making and resource management.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Diploma Office Assistant cum Computer Operator
- Certificate Office Assistant
- ITI Course Office Assistant
- NSQF Level 3 Office Assistant
Tasks
- Prepare purchase orders and send copies to suppliers and to departments originating requests.
- Determine if inventory quantities are sufficient for needs, ordering more materials when necessary.
- Respond to customer and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations.
- Perform buying duties when necessary.
- Contact suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems.
- Review requisition orders to verify accuracy, terminology, and specifications.
- Prepare, maintain, and review purchasing files, reports and price lists.
- Compare prices, specifications, and delivery dates to determine the best bid among potential suppliers.
- Track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders.
- Calculate costs of orders, and charge or forward invoices to appropriate accounts.
Progression Routes
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