Page 267 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

• Inspect, compare and select goods for sale
• Make arrangements for payment and delivery
• Develop rebate plans
• Prepare reports and present them to senior
management
Work environment
Purchasing Agents are required in many settings including engineering and construction, information and communications technology, manufacturing, transportation and storage, health, public administration and retail and wholesale.
Purchasing Agents typically work in offices on a full-time basis, occasionally spending time in warehouses, stores and commercial outlets.
Occupation data
Entry level education / special licences / warrants
Although there are no set educational requirements to work as a Purchasing Agent, experience is a valuable prerequisite. Some employers may require a qualification at MQF Level 4 or higher in relevant areas including business, sales and marketing, management
or commerce. Training programmes include:
• Advanced Diploma in Marketing (MCAST) (MQF Level 4)
• Diploma in Procurement and Supply (MCAST) (MQF Level 5)
• Diploma in Commerce (University of Malta) (MQF Level 5)
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Enterprise (MCAST) (MQF Level 6)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Marketing (University of Malta) (MQF Level 6)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Management (University of Malta) (MQF Level 6)
For further details on specific entry requirements, it is advisable to consult the respective educational institution’s website.
Qualifications awarded by foreign bodies need to be recognised or pegged with a particular MQF Level by the MQRIC office within NCFHE.
For related training offered by other educational institutions, it is advisable to consult the list of accredited courses on the NCFHE website.
On-the-job training is usually offered by the employer.
Knowledge and skills
Purchasing Agents are expected to have:
• An understanding of the industry the organisation is operating in
• Knowledge of the products and/or services available on the market
• Knowledge of competitors’ activities and pricing strategies
• Commercial and business awareness
• Financial skills
• Analytical skills
• The ability to adapt to different client needs
Transferable skills should include:
• Written and verbal communication skills in Maltese and English
• IT skills
• Numerical skills
• Organisational skills
• Problem solving and decision making skills
Number of employees (2017)
313
Share of foreigners (2017)
15%
Job Outlook (2018 - 2022)
+14%
Median Pay (per annum)
€17,400
Occupational Handbook 2018
267