Purchase managers are often called buyers or procurement agents. Many times, the role of purchase manager is combined with that of a sales manager. This particularly happens in a company engaged in procuring materials and selling it for a commission. The job of a purchase manager is specific to a particular industry. The routine responsibilities that a purchase manager would have to manage are:
- Placing fresh orders with the suppliers
- Get an insight into new products etc.
- Find the best deals for the company by negotiating prices
- Finding the most suitable suppliers
- Making payments and keeping a record
- Keeping track of sales records and inventory levels of stock
- Managing budget of purchase department
- Developing & implementing purchase contracts and policies
- Evaluate suppliers on the basis of price, quality, and service
- Keep themselves updated by reading trade journals and publications
- Attend meetings and trade shows, etc
- Visit manufacturing plants and distribution centers for products' inspection
- Be familiar about technicalities of goods or services they purchase
- Seeking advice from quality control managers about quality of purchase
Candidates seeking a career in Purchase Management also need to have an in depth knowledge for the raw material requirements or quality of finished products of the industry. For instance, if an individual is applying for a post of Purchase Manager of Textile Company, he/she is expected to have an in depth knowledge of the cotton rates, quality of cotton and yarn, where exactly can one get the cotton/yarn at the best prices, what are the seasons when the raw material prices undergo changes, and so on. So field based knowledge is necessary.
Often the employers choose to take into service first-line executive service managers who have an associate degree to perform the various mailrooms, secretarial and other related support activities. Individuals with a high school diploma are also favored.
As a purchase manager is required to deal with a number of people, both within the company and outside the company, you need to have superb interpersonal skills. You should be able to take charge of the situation, so as to achieve the best deal in the interest of the company. You should be computer literate, since you would be required to use computer program for tracking inventory levels, and releasing fresh purchase orders.
Since the role of the purchase manager is versatile, you also need to have analytical capabilities, ability to visualize the market conditions in near future and should be able to work under pressure.
While having a specialized degree in the related field is always advantageous, certain companies do offer relevant training to their employs to sharpen up their managerial skills, leadership qualities, personnel relations, gain product knowledge, etc. One can also opt for specialized degrees such as accredited purchasing practitioner, certified purchasing manager, etc.
A relevant work experience is rather necessary for securing the post of Purchase Manager. The work experience is the proof of his or her capability to be a responsible and competent manager. With suitable work experience candidates can get promoted in a very short span of time rising to supervisory designations.
The market demand for purchase managers is anticipated to increase by a whopping 12% by the year 2016. This will be quite at par with the growth expected in most of the other standard career zones. In 2006 there were as many as 247,000 Purchase Managers working successfully all over America. Almost half are employed in wholesale trade or manufacturing organizations.
Purchase managers often get paid well, as the purchase manager has to shoulder several responsibilities. A purchase manager can expect to be paid around $85,000 per annum. However, this is just an average and the emoluments would vary largely, depending on the experience of the person, the nature of industry, past salary of the person, etc.
Gradually, with dedication and good performance, even a purchase executive and can rise to become a purchase officer. Practical knowledge plays a great role in career advancement.
