You’ll find buyers in every facet of consumer retail and trade around the world. As a buyer, it’s your responsibility to make crucial decisions for a company, whether it’s buying raw materials, clothing, or stationery. Learn how to highlight your negotiation, decision-making, and analytical skills with our CV examples, helping you stand out from the candidate pool. 

Keep reading for:

  • Sample buyer CV
  • Buyer CV templates
  • The best format for your buyer CV
  • How to write an effective CV for a buyer
  • Top dos and don’ts for buyer CV writing
  • Your buyer questions answered

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    Sample buyer CV

    CV example for a skilled buyer

    Joanna Dylan
    246A Lawrence Drive
    Bradford BD7 4PP
    07912 345678
    joanna.dylan@example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    A practically minded individual with a common-sense approach a “can do” attitude, who is an expert at finding the right suppliers. Can build lasting relationships with suppliers and confidently negotiate prices. Skilled planner and capable of liaising with other departments, budgeting, and maintaining accurate records.

    WORK HISTORY

    BUYER (09/2014 – Current)
    Earth’s Kingdom Goods – Bradford

    • Oversaw competition of purchase orders from start to finish.
    • Prepared documents and agreements for material orders.
    • Scheduled materials in accordance with the planning schedule.
    • Negotiated pricing with new and existing suppliers.
    • Identification of cost-saving throughout the procurement department and wider business.
    • Trained new assistant with company protocols and regulations.

    ASSISTANT BUYER (02/2010 – 09/2014)

    • Assisted team with purchasing stock and supplies.
    • Full and strategic stick management, Excel analysis of stock and inventory levels.
    • Monitored market trends and competitor strategies.
    • Monitored multiple databases to keep track of all company inventory.

    PRODUCT PROCUREMENT ASSISTANT (05/2007 – 02/2010)

    • Established new supplier database and information capture system.
    • Processed all department requisitions and orders.
    • Controlled all stock and inventory databases.
    • Researched and updated all required materials needed for firm and partners.

    SKILLS

    • Confident negotiator
    • Highly analytical
    • Project management
    • Smart numeracy and budgeting skills
    • Managing supplier relationships 
    • Full and clean UK driving license
    • Attention to detail
    • Extremely organised

    EDUCATION

    University of Bradford – Bradford
    Bachelor of Business Administration
    2007

    Bradford College – Bradford
    A Levels: Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, English
    2005

    Create this CV

    Buyer CV templates

    Our versatile CV templates make it easy to create a professional job application tailored to your industry. Browse our extensive template library to find a design that matches your personality and use it to highlight your skills and potential.

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    The best format for your buyer CV

    Recruiters may only spend a few seconds scanning your CV before deciding whether you have the potential they’re looking for, so it’s important to make a strong first impression with your CV. To make sure they notice your strengths immediately, make sure you structure your CV sections correctly. The three main CV formats you may consider are:

    • Chronological CV: Ideal for experienced buyers, this format presents your work history in reverse chronological order, highlighting career progression and achievements.
    • Functional (skills-based) CV: Best for career changers or those with gaps in employment, this format emphasises skills over work history.
    • Combination CV: A mix of chronological and functional formats, perfect for highlighting both skills and relevant experience.

    For most buyer roles, a chronological CV works best as it clearly demonstrates your procurement expertise, negotiation skills, and supplier management experience. This format highlights your career progression and makes it easy for employers to see how your experience matches their needs. If you’re transitioning into a buyer role or have gaps in your employment history, a combination or skills-based CV may be more appropriate, allowing you to emphasise relevant skills rather than job titles.

    To ensure your buyer CV looks professional and is easy to read, keep the layout clean and well-structured. Break it down into clear sections. A consistent, polished format ensures that your key strengths stand out at a glance. Avoid cluttered designs or excessive styling – simplicity and clarity make your CV more effective.

    How to write an effective CV for a buyer

    Writing a compelling CV is a skill you’re likely to use more than once in your life – so it’s good to learn from the best. In this section of our guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential sections of a buyer CV and give you useful tips on how to make your application stand out. Read on for:

    Adding contact details to your buyer CV

    Start writing your CV by placing a contact section at the top of the page. Include your full name, location, phone number, and email address. Make sure all details are up-to-date and professional. If you’re submitting a cover letter with your application, make sure the contact details in the letter match those in your CV.

    Example of contact section for a CV

    Joanna Dylan
    246A Lawrence Drive
    Bradford BD7 4PP
    07912 345678
    joanna.dylan@example.co.uk

    Writing your buyer CV’s personal statement

    Your personal statement (or professional summary) is the first thing most recruiters will read, so it needs to be engaging and powerful. In just a few sentences, summarise your experience and highlight your key strengths, such as negotiation or cost control. If you’re new to the role, highlight transferable skills, a strong analytical mindset and enthusiasm for procurement.

    Example of personal statement for a buyer CV

    Results-driven buyer with over seven years of experience in procurement and supply chain management. Skilled in negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost reductions, saving previous employers an average of 15% annually. Proven ability to analyse market trends and source high-quality products at competitive prices. Seeking to bring strategic sourcing expertise to a dynamic and fast-paced organisation.

    OR

    Motivated and detail-oriented professional with a business background and a strong passion for procurement. Skilled in market research, data analysis, and supplier coordination, with experience of supporting purchasing teams during internships. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, eager to apply analytical skills to a buyer role.

    Adding an experience section to your buyer CV

    The experience section is the heart of your CV. It showcases your expertise, progression, and impact in previous roles. Use it to show employers how your experience matches their needs. 

    If you’ve chosen a chronological CV format, list your most recent or current job first, followed by previous roles in reverse order. For each position, include your employer’s name, job title, dates of employment, and a brief but effective description of your responsibilities. To make your experience section stand out, quantify your achievements. Add specific figures, like how many suppliers you managed, to demonstrate your value.

    Example of work experience for a buyer CV

    Buyer (March 2020 – Current)
    Kitty Retail Ltd, London

    • Negotiated supplier contracts, securing an average 16% cost reduction while maintaining quality and supplier relationships.
    • Managed a portfolio of over 60 suppliers, ensuring timely delivery and stock availability across multiple product lines.
    • Conducted market analysis to identify new sourcing opportunities, leading to the introduction of five high-demand products that increased sales by 19%.
    • Implemented a new supplier evaluation system, improving order accuracy and reducing defective stock by 28%.

    Assistant Buyer (June 2017 – February 2020)
    ABC Fashion Ltd, Manchester

    • Supported the senior buying team in product selection and vendor negotiations, contributing to a 13% improvement in profit margins.
    • Monitored inventory levels and assisted in purchase order management, reducing overstock by 15% through data-driven demand forecasting.
    • Researched industry trends and competitor pricing to assist in developing competitive sourcing strategies.
    • Built strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams to improve communication and streamline purchasing operations.

    Top skills for your buyer CV

    To excel in a buyer role, you need a combination of analytical skills, negotiation expertise, and strong relationship management skills. Employers are looking for professionals who can source quality products, negotiate the best deals, and ensure smooth procurement processes. Below, we’ve outlined the essential CV skills for a buyer, as well as advanced competencies that can help you stand out during recruitment.

    Essential skills for a buyer

    • Supplier negotiation: The ability to secure the best terms and conditions, including pricing, lead times, and contractual arrangements, to maximise cost savings without compromising quality.
    • Market research and trend analysis: Staying on top of industry trends, analysing market data and identifying opportunities for cost-effective sourcing.
    • Inventory management: Ensuring optimal stock levels to avoid shortages or overstocking while maintaining cost efficiency.
    • Sourcing & purchasing: Managing purchase orders, sourcing reliable suppliers, and overseeing the procurement process from start to finish.
    • Cost control & budget management: Working within financial constraints, tracking expenses, and identifying ways to reduce costs while maintaining product quality.
    • Relationship management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and logistics teams to ensure seamless operations.

    Desirable skills to set you apart

    • Data analysis & reporting: Using procurement software and analytics tools to track purchasing patterns, forecast demand, and improve decision-making.
    • Category management: Specialising in a specific product category and developing strategic plans to improve sales and supplier performance.
    • Global sourcing: Experience working with international suppliers, understanding global trade regulations, and managing cross-border sourcing.
    • Sustainability & ethical sourcing: Knowledge of environmentally and socially responsible sourcing practices that align with modern business values.

    Outlining education on a buyer CV

    While experience is often the focus of a buyer’s resume, your education is still a valuable asset that can enhance your expertise in procurement, purchasing, and supply chain management. Employers typically look for candidates with a background in business, supply chain management or related fields, but additional certifications and specialised training can also set you apart.

    To make the education section stand out, list any relevant degrees, diplomas, or certifications that demonstrate your knowledge of finance or retail purchasing. If you’ve taken courses in negotiation, cost analysis, or purchasing management, highlight them.

    Here are some ways to strengthen your education section:

    • Include relevant industry courses or certifications. Training in procurement, contract management or supply chain analysis can add credibility to your CV. Consider certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or APICS (Association for Supply Chain Management).
    • Highlight practical experience gained during your studies. If you have completed internships, research projects or case studies related to procurement or supplier negotiations, mention them to showcase real-world experience.
    • Mention professional development activities. If you’ve attended industry events, workshops or procurement seminars, listing these can demonstrate your commitment to staying abreast of industry trends.

    Example of education for a buyer CV

    Bachelor’s Degree: Supply Chain Management (2022)
    University of Manchester

    • Focused on procurement strategies, logistics management, and financial planning in retail and wholesale industries.
    • Completed a research project on optimising supplier negotiations to reduce costs in e-commerce businesses.

    Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Level 4 Diploma (2023)

    • Covered key areas such as contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and procurement law.

    Top dos and don’ts for buyer CV writing

    Do

    • DO tailor your CV

      It’s no good sending the same CV out for every buyer role. Make sure to include keywords from the job description to tailor your CV to each application. Whether they’re looking for someone with experience purchasing a particular raw material, or a candidate who’s confident negotiating rates, include relevant key phrases to help your CV stand out.

    • DO use action words to stand out

      Competition for buyer roles can be fierce, so give yourself the edge by letting your personality stand out. Use powerful words to describe your work ethic, whether you’re “enthusiastic”, “conscientious”, or “collaborative”.

      Make sure to use job-specific keywords to optimise your buyer CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Some great keywords for a buyer include “contract management”, “strategic sourcing”, or “inventory control”.

    DON’T

    • DON’T forget proofreading

      Buyers need to be able to pick up on the smallest details when reading a contract. Show recruiters your attention to detail by making sure your CV is impeccable. Always proofread for typos and grammar mistakes before sending your CV into the world.

    • DON’T include outdated or irrelevant experience

      Focus on roles and skills that are directly relevant to the buyer role. Eliminate older or unrelated work experience. If you do decide to include roles unrelated to buyer responsibilities on your CV, make sure they demonstrate transferable skills you’re likely to use in your new role. This could include negotiation, relationship building, or research skills.

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    Your buyer questions answered

    What makes an excellent buyer CV?

    People hiring for buyer roles can see hundreds of CVs per position. Using a clear structure is the best way to make sure your CV stands out and doesn’t get discounted without a second look. Include 4-5 bullet points per experience to keep your application clear, concise, and easy to read.

    How long should a buyer CV be?

    Recruiters often prefer concise, well-structured CVs that highlight key buyer skills such as negotiation, supplier management, and cost-saving achievements. When creating your application, keep your buyer CV to one page. If you have extensive experience, a two-page CV may be acceptable, but keeping it to one page ensures that your most relevant qualifications stand out quickly.

    How should a buyer CV look like?

    Keep your buyer CV clean and professional with an easy-to-read layout. Some of the best CV fonts you can use to achieve that include Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (size 10-12 for body text, 14-16 for headings). In addition, keep margins between 0.5 and 1 inch to ensure readability and a balanced layout. Use 1.0 to 1.15 line spacing with clear section breaks to improve clarity.

    What are the main responsibilities of a buyer?

    The primary responsibility of a buyer is to source products or materials, either for a business to use directly or to sell on. This involves monitoring the market to find the best items and prices, negotiating with sellers, and maintaining an inventory database.

    What are the essential qualities of a buyer?

    A buyer needs to have in-depth market knowledge, with strong communication skills to negotiate the price of bulk orders if necessary. They should be well-organised to keep track of purchases and know when stock needs replacing.

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