Junior Buyer Skills, Experiences, and Job Requirements

JUNIOR BUYER SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Dec 15, 2025 - The Junior Buyer leverages sourcing experience, transactional procurement knowledge, and ERP system proficiency to ensure accurate and efficient processing of customer requests. This role requires strong communication skills in English and Spanish, along with the ability to deliver excellent client service and coordinate effectively in fast-paced environments. The buyer also demands a detail-oriented, self-motivated approach that supports independent work, reliable teamwork, and consistent adherence to process and accuracy standards.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Junior Buyer Resume

Purchase Ordering
MRP Management
Stock Management
Product Development
Range Planning
Material Sourcing
RFQ Management
Vendor Performance
ERP Management
Data Accuracy

Trend Analysis
Process Improvement
Supplier Negotiation
Category Communication
Cross-Functional Liaison
Supplier Relations
Issue Resolution
Price Negotiation
Range Presentation
Trend Monitoring

Summary of Junior Buyer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Business Administration with 2 years of Experience

Must have strong negotiation skills
Understanding of Contract Law and Contract Drafting for different types of products / Services
Knowledge of bid evaluation using the whole life cycle cost model
Good knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft Office packages and SAP or equivalent MRP system
Member of The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or working towards
Highly motivated and can work with minimum supervision
Must have excellent communication skills
Demonstrates perseverance, patience and commitment for long-term success
Good organisation/project management/time management
Enjoys challenges and problem-solving
Ability to work well under pressure
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Highly organised and methodical

2. BA in Procurement and Logistics with 3 years of Experience

Strong analytical and critical thinking
Ability to use data to inform decisions, identify the root cause and resolve the problem
Strong product and buying planning skills
Ability to manage priorities according to clear prioritization and structured planning
Ability to build lasting supplier relationships and manage according to SLAs (existing industry networks)
Comfortable with change and an excellent team player
Passionate about the industry and the potential of e-commerce
Understanding of the key business drivers within online retail
Working experience in Retail / Commerce
Strong commercial acumen
Working experience in Retail buying/e-commerce
Proven track record of negotiation skills and strong relationship management
Strong knowledge of Electronic Buying

3. BS in Operations Management with 2 years of Experience

Purchasing and planning experience in a manufacturing environment
Demonstrated proficiency with a fully integrated ERP system
Able to work with and support co-workers in every department at the company
Able to work in a fast-paced, sometimes extremely demanding environment with inflexible deadlines
Knowledge of automotive parts and tools
Experience in purchasing or selling automotive and diesel transit vehicle parts
Working experience in purchasing
Working experience in Inventory control
Strong written and verbal communication skills

4. BA in International Business with 4 years of Experience

Experience with PC software databases
Facility with MS/Office (Excel, Word, etc)
Ability to read, analyze and interpret MRP reports, purchase requisitions, RFQs, and supplier contracts
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and to respond to inquiries or complaints from customers
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels, both within and outside the organization
Familiarity with manufacturing operations, specifically high-tech electronic and fluid management
Experience in purchasing in a volume manufacturing or research and development environment
Familiarity with the Visibility ERP/MRP system
Experience with JIT/Lean, statistically-driven quality and process controls (Six Sigma, SPC, APQP, etc) and vendor certification
Active involvement and/or certification with ISM, APICS, etc.

5. BS in Manufacturing Engineering with 3 years of Experience

Procurement experience in a manufacturing environment (multi-plant)
Superior negotiating and communication skills
Basic business mathematics and unit conversions
Strong knowledge and practical experience with basic accounting principles
Excellent computer skills including all Microsoft Office software (Excel and Word)
Working experience in Navision or other ERP systems
Familiarity with material flow in a manufacturing environment
Excellent organizational and time management skills

6. BA in Retail Management with 2 years of Experience

Great passion for fashion and general product technical knowledge
Team player with the ability to work autonomously
Well-organized, methodical and proactive with the ability to self-motivate and drive initiative
Must have excellent analytical skills
Fashion buying experience in a head office or within an e-commerce retailer, having a background in Women's Textile buying
Excellent analytical skills with knowledge in MS Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint)
Ability to showcase knowledge of trends alongside facts
Able to work in a team as well as being very independent, this covers the women's denim team and also the wider teams of Zalando

7. BA in Merchandising with 3 years of Experience

Experience within the Tech or Construction industry
Excellent communication skills with the ability to converse with individuals at all levels of the business to gain commitment and buy-in to a common vision and clearly state goals
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to make and justify decisions
Able to pick up knowledge about products and processes quickly
Ability to use their initiative to offer achievable solutions under pressure
Ability to adapt in a constantly evolving landscape
Knowledge and interest in IT hardware and software
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
Ability to adapt in a rapidly changing environment
Able to hold a Canadian Security Clearance and Controlled Goods Clearance
Working knowledge of SAP, Oracle or similar procurement and financial software

8. BA in Supply Chain Management with 1 year of Experience

Experience within the Tech or Construction industry
Excellent communication skills with the ability to converse with individuals at all levels of the business to gain commitment and buy-in to a common vision and clearly state goals
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to make and justify decisions
Able to pick up knowledge about products and processes quickly
Ability to use their initiative to offer achievable solutions under pressure
Ability to adapt in a constantly evolving landscape
Knowledge and interest in IT hardware and software
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
Ability to adapt in a rapidly changing environment
Able to hold a Canadian Security Clearance and Controlled Goods Clearance
Working knowledge of SAP, Oracle or similar procurement and financial software

9. BA in Business Economics with 4 years of Experience

Familiarity with the infrastructure and construction industry
Experience with ERP and Priority
Experience with the creation and analysis of complex Excel and PowerPoint reports
Ability to understand blueprints, scopes of work, payment documents, purchase orders and invoices
Experience within Fashion Buying (Outerwear / Denim / Knitwear / Leather)
Experience in trading a department to maximise sales, ideally ecommerce experience
Knowledge of the test and repeat ecommerce buying model
Must have strong communication skills
Effective time management and the ability to prioritise
Ability to problem-solve under pressure in a fun, fast-paced environment
Able to take responsibility and make decisions

10. BA in Product Development with 2 years of Experience

Experience in purchasing in a manufacturing setting
Prior experience using an ERP/MRP system such as Global Shop, JD Edwards, SAP, etc.
Familiarity with reading prints or drawings in sourcing materials
Advanced knowledge of MS Office and use of the Internet for research
Adept at organizing, prioritizing and ability to multi task
Excellent communication skills, written and oral
Good analytical skills with an attention to detail to ensure specifications are being met and the quality of purchases is up to standard
Possesses an uncanny ability to quickly learn new skills and methodologies as required by the project/task at hand
Possesses an attention to detail and an ability to make decisions under pressure
Competence in using Microsoft Office software, in particular Excel
Working knowledge of Sage

11. BS in Data Analytics with 3 years of Experience

Passionate, driven and organised individual
Experience working in an administrative role
Experience in MS Office applications
Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems
Must have strong interpersonal skills
Good problem-solving abilities
Experience in a manufacturing setting, with the ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines
Exceptional with people, highly detailed in organizational and time management skills
Capacity to think logically and analytically to solve problems
Possess excellent MS Office and database skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work with daily/monthly deadlines and time constraints on an ongoing basis
Able to be a straight-talker

12. BS in Business Administration with 2 years of Experience

Experience as an online Junior Buyer and Analyst
Strong analytical skills, understanding of buying principles, and retail math
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work in a team-based dynamic as well as liaise with cross-functional teams
Must be self-motivated
Must keen eye for fashion trends and a strong understanding and knowledge of brands in the contemporary, advanced contemporary, and luxury markets
Proficiency in the MS Office suite
Experience working for a web retailer or brand in the contemporary market
Experience with Shopify reporting

13. BA in International Business with 4 years of Experience

Working experience in supply chain or retail buying
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Knowledge of general merchandising and inventory management experience
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Intermediate to advanced level Excel)
Ecommerce or retail website experience
Proven successful negotiation skills
Demonstrated ability to positively influence and develop consensus with teams not in a direct report alignment
Ability to deal effectively with all management levels
Ability to manage multiple projects across several lines of business
Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a team environment
Must exhibit customer focus, time management skills, a professional demeanor and a positive attitude

14. BA in Procurement and Logistics with 3 years of Experience

Previous experience in a Junior Buyer position
Previous product development experience
Must have strong leadership skills
Good judgment and decision-making skills
Confidence in calculated risks
Passionate about product, strong market and brand awareness
Time keeping and the ability to meet stringent deadlines
Results-oriented and customer-focused
Driven and self-motivated with a proactive and positive attitude
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
Understanding of the cost elements involved in manufacturing

15. BS in Operations Management with 2 years of Experience

High level of attention to detail and well organised
Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise workload
Highly flexible individual who can adjust to a very agile environment
Proactive, methodical, practical and persistent
Able to work well under pressure
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Proficient Microsoft Office suite
Must have a CIPS qualification or be working towards it
Experience working in a purchasing role in an engineering environment
Familiar with Business Central/ Navision inventory systems

16. BS in Manufacturing Engineering with 3 years of Experience

Experience in supply chain, purchasing, supply planning, and material planning in a manufacturing, production environment
Proven record of working to tight deadlines
Previous experience of working with both ERP and MRP systems
Good IT background regarding Microsoft Outlook, including Excel
Fluent in English with the capacity to negotiate in English
Experience in a procurement position in direct procurement categories for an Industrial company
Evidence of maturity, collaboration and communication skills (written and verbal), strong interpersonal skills, and influencing ability
Confident and change-oriented, and comfortable within a matrix management structure in a multinational environment

17. BA in Retail Management with 2 years of Experience

Passionate about their products and are commercial thinkers
Experience in leading and managing more junior members of the team
Exceptional product development skills and an eye for detail
Strong negotiation skills and target margin drive
Ability to build relationships with wider business to drive Women's Wear Accessories and Footwear performance
Applying knowledge of the current competitive marketplace and trends to drive the direction of the category, whilst keeping Ted's DNA
Sharp organisational and management skills
Able to work effectively under pressure
Good time management skills

18. BA in Economics with 1 year of Experience

Previous experience as a Junior Buyer or Assistant Buyer (within food, ideally, although some FMCG categories)
Previous experience within a similar position
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
Excellent organisational and numeracy skills
Enthusiastic, positive and ambitious
Good working knowledge of MS Office, including Excel
Meticulous attention to detail
Able to thrive and work in a fast-paced environment

19. BS in Logistics and Transportation with 4 years of Experience

Ability to work under pressure to meet goals and deadlines
Proficient negotiation skills and the ability to plan for future needs for the business
Must have strong interpersonal skills
Strong emphasis on accuracy and detail
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Good time management and organizational skills
High attention to detail and providing support/service in a corporate environment
Good knowledge of MS Excel with experience in using spreadsheet formulas and basic functionality
Experience in the SAP system
Previous experience in purchasing or buying

20. BA in Retail Management with 2 years of Experience

Experience in a busy purchasing environment
Able to work within a fast-paced and reactive environment
Experience with large contracts or framework agreements
Confident when speaking to and managing stakeholders on all levels
Proven analytical, planning and strong organisation skills
Demonstrated experience in process improvements
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, using formulas comfortably
Strong administration experience
Good understanding of supply chain procedures

21. BA in Merchandising with 3 years of Experience

Able to work on a flexible schedule
Previous sourcing experience in transactional and tactical procurement
Previous experience with SAP-ERP, SRM, CRM or comparable system
Working experience in buying or similar commercial
Track record of working autonomously, with a naturally inquisitive mind
Fluent English and German speaker
Enthusiastic and entrepreneurial
Exposure to German retail / FMCG markets
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Comfortable working with data, with intermediate Excel skills

22. BA in Business Economics with 4 years of Experience

Experience in the area of Procurement
Experience in Procurement processes in a complex and international business environment
Basic knowledge of SAP and typical other IT tools
Self-disciplined with the ability to work independently and under stress and pressure
Ability to adapt to new cultures and people
Strong service orientation
Strong commitment to customer orientation and understanding of customer needs and market trends
Experience within Procurement for a fast-paced manufacturing industry, handling both domestic and international supply chain activities
Fluent in both written and spoken English
Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of employees
Ability to manage suppliers and vendors
Computer-literate, ideally with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

23. BS in Financial Management with 3 years of Experience

Ability to manage team members, work within a team, as well as on own initiative
Excellent numerical ability to record, interpret and analyse key data
Strong self-discipline and a structured approach
Ability to meticulously identify and plan improvements
High proficiency in Microsoft Office
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability, and projects a positive manner in the face of change
Excellent communicator who facilitates bottom-up and top-down communication channels
Experience in a similar role in the FMCG sector
Fluency in English, both written and verbal
Evidence of excellent leadership, administration and organisational skills

24. BA in Apparel and Textiles with 1 year of Experience

Outstanding numerical analysis, ideally a numerate or analytical degree
Excellent communication and presentation skills in English, written and verbal
Previous experience in an analytical, buying, procurement or supply chain role
Earlier experience as a Junior Planner, Buyer or Merchandiser is meritorious
Strong salesmanship and sees opportunities for growth and profitability
Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn the analysis into action
Passion for retail and knowledge of what the customer wants and needs at a specific time
Experience and knowledge in Excel

25. BA in International Business with 4 years of Experience

Technical Knowledge and proven track record of developing and trading highly commercial ranges that exceed sales/profit targets
Buying experience with a major retailer
Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with Design, Merchandising and Technology and Global Sourcing Offices where used
In-depth knowledge of cost price negotiations and global sourcing and the ability to collaborate with colleagues in Global Sourcing Offices (where used) to develop the supply base
Able to develop and build a comprehensive product range including packaging, which satisfies all customers' future requirements
Understanding and delivery of the concepts of brand strategy
In-depth knowledge of the current competitive marketplace
Good understanding of the global retail marketplace with the ability to identify relevant product trends
Basic understanding of Merchandise Planning
Ability to understand M&S Buying systems end-to-end and manage systems accountabilities for the Department
Strong knowledge of materials used and understanding of material supply base, as well as external market conditions, including key economic, political and social shifts
Highly organised approach and commitment to closing and completing tasks
Strong communication and influencing skills with a 3D approach

26. BS in Business Administration with 2 years of Experience

Must have PMAC, CPP, or SCMA certifications
Experience in buying and price negotiation in a manufacturing environment
Total familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Knowledge of software programs designed for the reporting, analysis, management, and control of manufacturing operations such as ERP and MES systems
Team player with multi-tasking abilities
Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a challenging environment
Excellent knowledge of the market, production and purchasing processes
Able to work in a planned, precise and structured way

27. BA in Procurement and Logistics with 3 years of Experience

Purchasing experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience with Gaming Systems
Excellent communication, organizational and multi-tasking skills
Ability to use and understand Microsoft Office Applications (Excel, Word, Visio, etc.), email, Internet navigation and presentation software (PowerPoint or other software)
Understanding of the Great Plains system and/or similar environments
Previous experience in the merchandising or retail industry
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Ability to multitask and perform under pressure
Experience with merchandising software systems

28. BS in Logistics and Transportation with 4 years of Experience

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and Excel
Working experience in PeopleSoft Financials or similar software
Prior experience with online ordering and data management systems
Ability to think strategically
Capable of working and communicating effectively
Able to work in a deadline-driven environment with an attention to detail
Excellent computer skills and the aptitude to learn new software applications
Ability to work effectively in a team setting or independently
Strong interest in supply chain

29. BA in Marketing with 1 year of Experience

Experience within a retail Buying role
Confident and approachable
Enthusiastic and excited about the product
Able to work across teams (merchandising, marketing, operations, etc.)
Must have strong presentation skills
Uses creative thought process on product, promotions, displays, deals, etc
Experience in using Microsoft Excel and functions such as Vlookups and Pivot Tables
Ability to follow instructions

30. BS in Operations Management with 2 years of Experience

Previous experience at Assistant / Junior Buyer level, with proven womenswear experience
Excellent knowledge of current trends, competitor activity and new product opportunities
Ability to engage and influence others effectively
Possess a genuine passion for product and brand
Competent in Word, Excel, Email, Internet, etc.
Ability to think clearly, perform tasks efficiently and accurately, often to tight deadlines
Must have excellent communication skills
Ability to deal with all levels of management, both internally and externally
Ability to cover multiple/varied tasks

31. BS in Logistics and Transportation with 4 years of Experience

Previous professional experience in procurement
Good understanding of Professional services categories
Hands-on experience in delivering projects and cost savings initiatives
Working experience in Project Management
Proficiency in MS Office Pack
Knowledge of Thinkcell
Fluent English and French
Solid data analysis skills
Effective written and verbal communication,
Strong organizational skills with a high level of drive and energy
Ability to navigate in a complex global/regional matrix environment and adaptability of style to fit the relevant audience

32. BS in Manufacturing Engineering with 3 years of Experience

Previous sourcing experience, transactional and tactical procurement experience
Previous experience with SAP-ERP, SRM, CRM, or comparable system
Working experience in Customer service
Able to correctly translate and process customer requests
Able to write and speak fluently using the Spanish Language
Strong client service orientation with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills as well as an entrepreneurial spirit and financial acumen
Team player who is self-motivated and works independently
Process-oriented with superior attention to detail and accuracy

33. BS in Agricultural Business with 1 year of Experience

Analytical, numerically astute, with well-developed problem-solving abilities
Strong communication skills with the ability to negotiate with suppliers
Actively working towards a Purchasing designation (CPP or equivalent)
Experience in the manufacturing industry
Basic computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and MRP concepts
Excellent interpersonal skills to enable amicable vendor and interdepartmental relationships within the purchasing department
Strong problem-solving techniques and abilities
Must have independent decision-making ability

34. BS in Data Analytics with 3 years of Experience

Intermediate computer skills (typing, MS Office, emails, etc.)
Ability to create, manipulate, and analyze spreadsheets, tables, and charts
Excellent numerical and logical analytical skills
Strong attention to detail
Ability to recognize and resolve problems quickly while attempting to minimize the impact on operations
Ability to create and sustain supplier relationships
Ability to read, listen and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Experience in buying or purchasing
Experience in the industrial/engine parts industry
Must have APIC’s Membership/Certifications

35. BA in Apparel and Textiles with 1 year of Experience

Proven work experience in the purchasing/procurement function in a manufacturing/construction environment
History of working closely with internal departments such as manufacturing, engineering, and quality
Experience with an integrated purchasing system
Working knowledge of international shipment processes and requirements (brokers, customs, tariffs, etc.)
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word and Excel
Knowledge of purchasing software, applications and terminology (JD Edwards)
Proficient in communication, both internally and externally
Excellent time management skills

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