Purchasing manager:
Job description
Purchasing managers are responsible for buying the best quality equipment, goods and services for a company or organisation at the most competitive prices. They work in a wide range of sectors for many different organisations.
The purchasing manager oversees supply chain management and procurement, possibly on a worldwide scale.
They need to be good at negotiating, networking and dealing with numbers, as well as dealing with other factors such as sustainability, risk management and ethical issues.
Purchasing and supply management is an important role for any business or organisation. More than two thirds of revenue can be spent on buying the company's products or services, meaning the purchasing manager can make a real difference in cost saving and profit.
Typical work activities
The duties carried out by a purchasing manager depend largely on the business functions, size and location of the employing organisation.
The level of responsibility held by the purchasing manager will also influence responsibilities. Tasks typically involve:
forecasting levels of demand for services and products to meet the business needs and keeping a constant check on stock levels;
conducting research to ascertain the best products and suppliers in terms of best value, delivery schedules and quality;
liaising between suppliers, manufacturers, relevant internal departments and customers;
identifying potential suppliers, visiting existing suppliers, and building and maintaining good relationships with them;
negotiating and agreeing contracts and monitoring their progress, checking the quality of service provided;
processing payments and invoices;
keeping contract files and using them as reference for the future;
forecasting price trends and their impact on future activities;
giving presentations about market analysis and possible growth;
developing an organisation's purchasing strategy;
producing reports and statistics using computer software;
evaluating bids and making recommendations based on commercial and technical factors;
ensuring suppliers are aware of business objectives;
attending meetings and trade conferences;
training and supervising the work of other members of staff.