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Purchasing Agents and Officers  (NOC 1225)
North Shore Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Purchasing agents and officers purchase general and specialized equipment, materials and business services for use or for further processing by their establishment. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.

contract management officer, contracts officer, materiel management officer, procurement officer, purchaser, furniture and furnishings, purchasing agent, purchasing officer, supply officer, government.

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Purchasing agents and officers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Purchase general and specialized equipment, materials or business services for use or for further processing by their establishment
  • Assess requirements of an establishment and develop specifications for equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased
  • Invite tenders, consult with suppliers and review quotations
  • Determine or negotiate contract terms and conditions, award supplier contracts or recommend contract awards
  • Establish delivery schedules, monitor progress and contact clients and suppliers to resolve problems
  • May hire, train or supervise purchasing clerks.

Purchasing agents and officers may specialize in the purchase of particular materials or business services such as furniture or office equipment.

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Truro, Amherst, Antigonish, New Glasgow, Oxford, Parrsboro, Pictou, Springhill, Stellarton, Trenton, Westville

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Purchasing Agents and Officers in North Shore Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Purchasing Agents and Officers in North Shore Region as well as in the rest of the Nova Scotia.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
North Shore Region Fair 2011-06-07

Currently the chances of qualified Purchasing Agents and Officers finding employment are considered to be fair in the local area. The number of people employed locally in this occupation is relatively small but opportunities could occur from movement among existing employees. There are a fair number of potential employers in the local and surrounding areas and vacancies have been noted in the job bank over the past few years. Overall, the occupation appears in balance with stable demand and supply for workers. The Purchasing Management Association of Canada has launched a renewed Certified Professional Purchaser (C.P.P.) accreditation program. Known as Strategic Supply Chain Management Leadership Program, the new program is designed to be taken over 36 months concurrent with full-time employment.

In addition to employment opportunities locally, opportunities may exist in other areas of the province or in other regions of the country. People who are able to work elsewhere may want to research opportunities for this occupation in other labour markets within Nova Scotia and across the country. The future employment outlook for Purchasing Agents and Officers in Nova Scotia is expected to be fair over the next 5 years.

Additional information on Purchasing Agents and Officers (opportunities in other areas, training, who hires, current job openings, statistics and other information), is available on other parts of this web site.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.