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Buyer In Training Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Commodity Buyer

Maryville, TN ยท On-site

$64K - $79K/yr

Minimum Level of Education and Training Required * Requires a Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain or related field * 2-5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education ...

Have completed formal training in and/or have at least one (1) year of work experience applying ... Have prior work experience in procurement, buying, and/or scheduling * Have at least one (1) year ...

New

The role provides job training opportunities in key procurement responsibilities, including purchase order creation and management, competitive bidding, negotiation, contract development, data ...

The role provides job training opportunities in key procurement responsibilities, including purchase order creation and management, competitive bidding, negotiation, contract development, data ...

The role provides job training opportunities in key procurement responsibilities, including purchase order creation and management, competitive bidding, negotiation, contract development, data ...

The role provides job training opportunities in key procurement responsibilities, including purchase order creation and management, competitive bidding, negotiation, contract development, data ...

The role provides job training opportunities in key procurement responsibilities, including purchase order creation and management, competitive bidding, negotiation, contract development, data ...

The role provides job training opportunities in key procurement responsibilities, including purchase order creation and management, competitive bidding, negotiation, contract development, data ...

Showing results 41-60

Buyer In Training information

See Tennessee salary details

$24.5K

$56.9K

$91.2K

How much do buyer in training jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for buyer in training in Tennessee is $56,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a buyer in training, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Buyer In Training, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software, inventory management systems, and Microsoft Excel is typically required. Effective communication, negotiation skills, and a willingness to learn help candidates stand out in this fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure accurate purchasing decisions, vendor relationship management, and smooth supply chain operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a buyer in training and how can they be overcome?

As a Buyer In Training, a common challenge is quickly learning to analyze sales data and market trends to make informed purchasing decisions. Adapting to a fast-paced retail or supply chain environment and managing multiple vendor relationships can also be demanding. Successful trainees overcome these challenges by seeking mentorship from experienced buyers, actively participating in team meetings, and using feedback to improve their negotiation and analytical skills. Building strong communication and organizational habits early on will also help you navigate this dynamic role effectively.

What is a buyer in training?

A Buyer In Training is an entry-level professional who is learning the skills and processes involved in purchasing goods or services for a company. They typically work under the supervision of experienced buyers or purchasing managers and receive on-the-job training in areas such as vendor negotiation, inventory management, and market analysis. This role is designed to prepare individuals for advancement to full buyer positions. Buyer In Training roles are common in retail, manufacturing, and supply chain industries. The position offers valuable experience and a foundation for a career in procurement or supply chain management.

How to get a job as a buyer in training with no experience?

To become a Buyer in Training with no experience, focus on developing skills in inventory management, negotiation, and basic supply chain concepts through online courses or certifications. Entry-level positions often require strong communication, organizational skills, and a willingness to learn on the job, with some companies providing on-the-job training for newcomers.

What is the difference between Buyer In Training vs Buyer?

AspectBuyer In TrainingBuyer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's or bachelor's degree often preferred; relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, retail or wholesale settingsMore autonomous, involved in negotiations and inventory management
Industry UsageUsed as a training position within retail and wholesale sectorsFull professional role with increased responsibilities

The main difference between a Buyer In Training and a Buyer is experience and responsibility. A Buyer In Training is an entry-level position focused on learning the basics of procurement, often under supervision. A Buyer has more experience, handles negotiations, and manages purchasing decisions independently. Both roles are common in retail and wholesale industries, but the Buyer position requires more credentials and industry knowledge.

Infographic showing various Buyer In Training job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,872 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

SR Direct Materials Buyer

ARC Automotive Inc

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Director of Purchasing, assists in planning, coordinating, directing and controlling activities in line with corporate policies and procedures. Responsible for acquiring, purchasing and negotiating materials, components and services, for Direct Materials for all locations globally. Obtains quotations, prepares quote analysis and evaluates potential suppliers to determine if they are compatible with company objectives. Oversees purchasing logs and records to ensure accuracy and follow through. Monitors quality of goods by reviewing costs, schedules, timeliness of delivery and conformance to specifications. Controls annual purchases of approximately $60 million. Performs duties related to department administration, research, pricing, negotiation, documentation, purchases and supplier interfacing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Responsible for approximately $60 million in annual expenditures for materials, components
  2. Purchases materials, components and services in line with cost, quality and delivery targets.
  3. Develops Purchasing strategies for key categories such as tubing, labels, stamped parts etc.
  4. Leads sourcing activities by completing and providing in depth quote analysis and risk analysis on potential suppliers, and presenting supplier recommendations to the team. Responsible for process sign-off of supplier selection.
  5. Generates CAR (budget approval form) and justification for production tooling. Issues tooling purchase orders. Tracks supplier's progress for mass production preparation (timing plans) through to PPAP submission to meet project deadlines.
  6. Purchases and tracks prototype and PPAP materials and components.
  7. Prepares and issues Spot Purchase orders and Scheduled Purchase orders.
  8. Monitors status and leads negotiations of all purchasing contracts and agreements.
  9. Monitors market conditions and identifies risks and opportunities.
  10. Conducts research for new suppliers, markets and new technologies.
  11. Initiates, leads and tracks cost reductions activities.
  12. Monitors annual forecasts and ensures supplier capacity is in place in time for emerging needs.
  13. Prepares reports and updates as and when required.
  14. Builds and maintains supplier relationships and ensures effective communication.
  15. Ensures compliance to company guidelines and Purchasing policies and procedures.
  16. Resolves invoice and receipt discrepancies.
  17. Acts as the interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on purchasing processes, new projects and activities.
  18. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Self Management
  • Assertive, resilient, flexible and handles changes.
  • Collaborative approach to working together.
  • Proactively contributes to the team.
  • Optimistic, open and honest in all dealings

Skills and Attributes
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Able to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet set targets.
  • Good communication, negotiation, interpersonal and influencing skills.
  • Commercial, legal and financial awareness with full understanding of how failure impacts production and customer.
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and numeracy skills.
  • Ability to read Engineering drawings.

DISCLAIMER
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
College graduate plus three (3) years experience in purchasing materials and/ or components and logistics at a Buyer level or higher. Automotive industry experience preferred. Must possess a high degree of maturity and integrity in conducting purchasing activities in a team environment. CPM or APICS certification desirable. Must have excellent negotiating skills and oral / written communication skills. Must be able to function in both domestic and foreign markets and cultures. Must have excellent computer skills, and be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Equivalent combination of experience and training directly related to the position, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities, may be substituted.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work is performed in an office environment and is generally temperature controlled with or without humidity co,1trol. Exposure and risk to health is minimal. Overtime during the week and weekends is mandatory when required. International business travel maybe required.
These are considered essential duties and are illustrative of those job tasks, which are fundamental. Employees ma be required to perform additional related duties as may be assigned by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.