What does a "buyer" in the purchasing department of an industrial manufacturing business do?

I recently lost my job in an educational capacity due to budget cuts. I was there 3 years. I have a decent severance until the end of June, and would qualify for unemployment after that. But I don’t want unemployment. I want to work.

I have a possible insider ‘in’ for a job for the position listed in my question.

I’ve gotten an idea of what a buyer does, and I have no doubts that I could do the work. I just want to do some research so that when I get an interview I can talk intelligently about the position. I’d like your help in targeting which strengths / experiences to highlight the most. I’ll try to keep it short.

Some of the requirements are:

1) A Bachelor’s degree, not specified in what area. I have one in education.

2) 6 months to a year related experience, which I believe I have. In 1997 – 98 I worked in the customer service department of another manufacturer, as the liaison between our company and businesses who wanted to use our products for advertising purposes. I placed orders, tracked them, dealt with bills of lading, etc.

3) Must be an “aggressive self starter,” and need little direct supervision, which are qualities I definitely possess. Almost every position I’ve ever had was unique at my location. No one else in the office did what I did. My supervisors, if I even had one, were located a few hundred miles away.
I also owned my own business, a small engine repair shop, for 4 years.

4) The standard “must have PC software proficiency, etc.” Check. I have excellent computer skills, and have worked in many kinds of programs since the late 70’s.

5) Must be able to walk, talk, feel and hear. Um…Check! :) except for that one Saturday night in the 70’s. Oh what a night!

6) Attention to detail. That’s me naturally. I like to make things work out just right. I even like reports.

Overall, I have most of the requirements. There are only a couple of things that a potential employer might see as a problem. One, my age, 54. Two, I’m female. There are lifting requirements (up to 50 pounds) that they might question my ability to do. However, I’ve always been physically stronger than most women. I’ve moved washers and dryers up and down stairs by myself. I once moved a tall, 4-drawer filing cabinet, full of files, on a dolly, by myself. I needed help getting it up the ramp in to the back of a pick up though. (in my 30’s and 40’s), but I’m still stronger than most women my age. Up to 30 pounds wouldn’t be a problem. After that,maybe, until I got in shape. How much of such a position would consist of lifting?

I’d also like your help in learning how to discuss some of the terms they use, such as ‘MRO system requirements.” Pretty sure they aren’t referring to a “Mars Rover Operating system” :)~