Organizations these days offer several jobs in the purchase department. The job of a purchasing manager is a very viable career option as all organizations require these managers to manage their purchases. The purchasing manager is the one responsible for buying goods and services that are needed by an organization. These purchases may involve the buying of raw materials that are to be used for the manufacturing process, the purchase of office equipment, and buying of general items that are needed in an organization.
The purchasing manager has to take several responsibilities within the organization. The manager has to find vendors and settle the purchase price of various products. This manager is also responsible for determining the quantity of materials that are required to be purchased. Various duties of a purchasing manager can be divided into several categories. These are explained below:
Managerial duties: The purchasing manager has to perform several managerial duties. He is responsible for motivating employees and guiding them on how to carry out various tasks. He also has to act as a communication link between employees and the top management. The purchasing manager is also responsible for listening to grievances of the employees within the department and addressing various issues that may arise during the working of the organization and to coordinate with the managers of other departments.
Procurement duties: This manager is responsible for accepting procurement forms from all of the other departments. He is one who has to check whether the specified items are required or not. After checking the requirements, he has to place orders with vendors for different items and settle the price as well. Once the items have reached the organization, the manager has to ensure that they have been received in good condition and in the specified quantity.
Analytical duties: The purchasing manager has to analyze what items are required in the organization. He also has to analyze the budget and ensure that the required materials are procured within the budget that has been set aside for purchases.
A purchasing manager needs to be at least a graduate in marketing management or business management. The manager also has to attain knowledge about various products that the organization deals in and always keep himself updated about the prices of various products and services. Prior experience is not really necessary in this job. However, most organizations require that managers have prior experience in the same field.
Purchasing managers require having several skills which ensure that they work according to the requirements of the organization. These skills include:
- Excellent communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Motivational skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to work as a member of a team
- Organizational skills
- Planning and negotiation skills
- Ability to make useful decisions
The salaries of these managers vary depending upon the organization. Generally, these managers are offered a good salary with several benefits. The working conditions are also favorable. Most purchasing managers have to operate from offices. The working hours are also very comfortable.
Purchasing managers have great career development prospects. Promotions may be offered to those who perform well as managers. Such purchasing managers may get promoted to even the top management positions.
All organizations require purchases to be made and thus there are many jobs available in the purchase department of almost all organizations. A Good salary and a favorable working environment often attract many people toward these jobs.
