What is the difference between a project buyer and category buyer? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a project buyer and category buyer? ›

A project buyer needs to buy all packages for his project. A category buyer works in wholesale and retail. Everything the buyer buys needs to be sold.

Here are the most notable differences between a buyer and a category manager: Strategic Focus: The category manager focuses on the strategic management of product categories within an organization. For his part, the buyer focuses on the acquisition of items in general.

A Category Buyer is responsible for the supply of goods within one particular purchasing category of a business. Answerable to category managers and other senior figures within the company, category buyers have a great deal of responsibility – they are vital components of the procurement department.

Category management is applied for strategic and long-term value added whereas project procurement is focused on creating short-term wins.

As a Project Buyer, you will be accountable for leading and managing purchasing activities: sourcing, planning, production part approval process, tooling investments and Quality Assurance, Risk Management in cross-functional projects, and contributing to project deliveries.

A project buyer needs to buy all packages for his project. A category buyer works in wholesale and retail. Everything the buyer buys needs to be sold. In fact he is specialized in connecting customer preferences to brands.

Category Specialists manage competing priorities and maintain relationships between multiple stakeholders including suppliers, distributors and sales and marketing teams. They work for companies in industries such as wholesale and retail trade, mining, gas and energy, manufacturing and logistics.

Procurement is the act of obtaining goods, supplies, and/or services. Therefore, project procurement is obtaining all of the materials and services required for the project. Project procurement management encompasses the processes used for making sure project procurement is successful.

What is a procurement category? Procurement categories are groupings of similar goods or services with common supply and demand drivers and suppliers. Example: A pen is a good whereas stationery could be the procurement category. A procurement category can be defined at any level above a single procurement.

What is the difference between buyer and procurement buyer? ›

Purchasers are often looking to get items for the best price rather than the best overall value. Procurement is a more long-term, holistic approach to acquiring goods and services for the business. It involves tasks such as sourcing vendors, negotiating and closing contracts, and record keeping.

Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents and typically handle more complex procurement tasks.

What is a Buyer? Buyers are responsible for purchasing goods for a company to use or sell in their own business. This position requires extensive research and the ability to negotiate contracts with suppliers, manage an inventory, evaluate quality goods, and stick within a budget.

Job titles that are often used interchangeably with a Category Specialist are: Category Manager. Category Analyst.

Based on my previous experiences, the difference between both roles is quite simple: Procurement includes strategic and the Buyer is more connected to operational tasks.

Investigates sources of supply for certain commodities and obtains information on new products to meet designated needs. Formulates procedures, policies, and guidelines for assigned buying programs. Performs duties of unusual significance or importance to the Department. Make recommendations in areas of expertise.

Unlike a Buyer role, a Category Manager is strategic, with oversight over the sourcing and Procurement process. They're managing the company's vendor relationships for the particular category.