The job of a purchasing manager is shopping, in literal terms. It can be for the company or for its customers.
When they are purchasing merchandise or selecting suppliers, purchasing managers have to keep the following things under control: cost, quality, accessibility, dependability, and technical support. They try making the best transactions for the company, i.e. the finest quality merchandise at lowest prices. The purchasing specialist examines sales records and record levels of recent stock, spots foreign and domestic dealers, and keep a record of changes that affect both supply and demand of the merchandise. Their efficiency lies in having technical knowledge of the merchandise and services that have to be bought.
A purchasing specialist generally controls important purchases and might also administer a group of purchasing agents. They might also enthusiastically search for the latest technologies and dealers. They can even create and administer the systems that permit candidates of the organization to purchase their own materials thus reducing the cost of every deal.
The most vital job of purchasing managers is assessing the dealers. Their job is to interview the potential dealers, and go and see their plants and supply centers to evaluate their potential. They also have to ascertain that the dealer will supply the goods and services at the deadline without forgoing the quality.
The purchasing managers have to work mostly indoors with a couple of outside visits. Their work hours are 40 hours a week and overtime.
A bachelor's degree and certification is the usual requirement for the purchasing manager. To get into purchasing management the candidates must have a bachelor's degree in business management. There are many organizations that prefer formal training and specialized education. Therefore, a master's degree will boost your resume for the high level jobs.
There are numerous recognized certifications for the purchase specialist. The Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) title is awarded by the Institute for Supply Management. In 2008, it was substituted by the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) and it covers a wide scope for the profession. The Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) and Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) titles are awarded by the American Purchasing Society.
For a job in purchasing management a candidate must have good communication and negotiation skills. He must have a thorough knowledge of the markets and rates. He must have good business networking skills. Additionally, he must know word processing, spreadsheet software, and other computer software, have the capability to examine technical data in the proposal of the dealers and knowledge of supply chain management and other skills. Professional certification has become a necessity nowadays.
Training is very important for this job other than academics. The candidates have to learn the specifications and realities of the job. The training can start when you're still in college. The candidates must take internships so that they gain on hand experience. The trainees will begin with selling goods and services, administering the sales persons and as they grow they'll be handed over the responsibilities of purchasing.
Any experience that you have when looking for this job will always highlight your C.V. One might have to start off at the first step of the ladder, and would be mostly offered the office jobs, but that will be really rewarding. It will teach you the tricks of the trade and you will be able to opt for better jobs later in life.
The prospects as a purchasing manager are very high, since there is a considerable growth in the multinational companies and the retail sectors. The big companies generally require higher qualifications for the job. Therefore, candidates in search for replacements must get all the qualifications before applying for the job.
The salary range of the purchasing managers is usually $60,890 to $105,780. The purchasing managers get almost similar benefits as the other employees that are inclusive of the sick leave, vacations, insurances and pension plans.
In conclusion, the work of a purchasing manager revolves around the dealers, companies, and the goods and services. They not only have to look for the benefits of the company but also have to look at the company's future. They have to deal with the suppliers on a daily basis, administer the various purchasing agents under them, keep abreast with the latest technologies and gadgets, and have to research well about the merchandise and services that their company requires.
