Introduction
Who is a Purchasing Manager?
A Purchasing Manager is a staff of an organization who oversees the whole process involved in buying products for the company. This is either for the company’s use or for resale. He or she does a lot of surveys, from the prospective seller to the product or service. This is just to ensure that what will be purchased will be the best for the company based on its present level.
They are also referred to as Materials Managers, in some cases. In other firms, what is being purchased may not be products, but materials that are important for the essential running of the company.
Also, the duties of Purchasing Managers extend to identifying what is needed by the company, conducting market surveys on suppliers and cost prices. Additionally, negotiating to get the best prices, ensuring to get proper evidence of purchase, like invoices and receipts, among others.
Moreover, their duties are closely linked with that of a Supply Chain Manager, but more limited. Supply Chain Managers have wider scopes, as they oversee all processes from the supply of raw materials to the production of finished products by the company. On the other hand, Purchasing Managers are in charge of the purchase of materials for the company, whether for resale or company use. He or she can also be under the supply chain and logistics department.
Furthermore, these professionals are usually graduates of business-related fields.
To find out more about the profession, keep following.
Responsibilities of Purchasing Managers
The duties and responsibilities of Purchasing Managers are as follows:
- Determining the needs of the company.
- Conducting market surveys concerning these needs.
- Writing and submitting budgets on the needs, for review.
- Conducting surveys on suppliers to find out the one with the best-needed products.
- Negotiating to get the best product at the most affordable price.
- Cultivating and sustaining relationships with great suppliers.
- Ensuring appropriate collection and signing off invoices and receipts.
- Ensuring proper documentation of all inventories.
- Working to ensure all products are provided within the given timeframe.
- Teaching and training new staff in the department.
Qualifications for practice as a Purchasing Manager.
To get employment for the position of Purchasing Manager, one should have the following requirements.
- Firstly, a Bachelor’s degree in the Business related field. This can be Business Management, Marketing Management, etc.
- Secondly, expertise in computer software such as Microsoft Excel and other purchasing software.
- Thirdly, a work experience in a leadership or managerial position.
- Also, experience in a similar work position.
Certain skills are also on the lookout for when it comes to employment for the position of a Purchasing Manager. Some of them include:
- Negotiation skills.
- Communication skills.
- Documentation skills.
- Ability to work all by oneself.
- Good observation skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Time management.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Critical thinking.
- High level of organization.
- Good level of self-confidence.
- Teaching skills.
- Leadership skills.
- Good computer proficiency.
Salary
In the United States, a Purchasing Manager earn quite well. Their average salary per year is around $73,345. This, of course, is much more in big firms and other parts. Salary can also depend on the qualification of the staff, educationally and experience-wise. The career also provides bonuses at times, which can be up to $5,000, a year.
Career path
A Purchasing Manager usually attains this position by promotion. Most of them usually start as Purchase agents then get to Procurement analysts. After these, they then get promoted based on advances in education or display of competence. Additionally, it is always a plus to get other certifications relevant to this field apart from just a Bachelor’s degree.
Work Environment
A Purchasing Manager usually works in office settings. They can have independent offices or be located under the Supply Chain and Logistics department, depending on the organization.
Also, their duties involve making travels or trips to meet suppliers or vendors. They typically work full hours, excluding weekends and public holidays. In addition, they are to be smart-looking and dress well always.
Conclusion
From preparing budgets to purchasing products, a Purchasing Manager is involved in anything requiring procurement in a company. It is their sole duty to ensure that they identify the company’s needs and purchase them at the best affordable prices.
They usually head other staff such as procurement agents and Purchase assistants. Hence, it is a managerial role that calls for good leadership skills.
