Responsibilities
As a purchasing manager, you'll need to:
forecast levels of demand for services and products;
keep a constant check on stock levels;
conduct research to ascertain the best products and suppliers in terms of best value, delivery schedules and quality;
liaise between suppliers, manufacturers, relevant internal departments and customers;
build and maintain good relationships with new and existing suppliers;
negotiate and agree contracts, monitoring the quality of service provided;
process payments and invoices;
keep contract files and use them as reference for the future;
forecast price trends and their impact on future activities;
give presentations about market analysis and possible growth;
develop a purchasing strategy;
produce reports and statistics using computer software;
evaluate bids and make recommendations, based on commercial and technical factors;
ensure suppliers are aware of business objectives;
attend meetings and trade conferences;
train and supervise the work of other members of staff.