Purchasing officers buy products for resale by their employer or services to be used by their employer on an enterprise level. They also purchase raw materials for production facilities. This involves tasks such as evaluating product quality, researching different vendors, and negotiating contracts.
You may also see a purchasing job description for a Purchasing Agent. These are the staff who buy the raw materials that a company needs to maintain its operations. They also buy the contract services that are needed to maintain the company buildings and operations.
Purchasing officers usually have a bachelor's degree in finance, business, logistics, or supply management. Coursework can include the principles of logistics, organizational communication, and basic economics. Most of the technical knowledge is learned through on-the-job training.