Some useful information in determining the job description of a Purchasing Manager (Fairly Comprehensive for a smaller organisation or local purchasing unit of larger purchasing organisation) (Feel free to comment, to add or subtract! )

Job Description for: Purchasing Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services.

Job Tasks for: Purchasing Managers

• Analyze market and delivery systems in order to assess present and future material availability.
• Control purchasing department budgets.
• Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying and storing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
• Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
• Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products or substitute materials.
• Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs.
• Resolve vendor or contractor grievances, and claims against suppliers.
• Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
• Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
• Administer on-line purchasing systems.
• Arrange for disposal of surplus materials.
• Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them in order to determine product availability and terms of sales.
• Maintain records of goods ordered and received.
• Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
• Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
• Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.

Required Knowledge for: Purchasing Managers

• Administration and Management -- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Mathematics -- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Economics and Accounting -- Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Job Activities for: Purchasing Managers

• Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources -- Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Analyzing Data or Information -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization -- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work -- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Source: www.CareerPlanner.com

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Is profit made when you buy or when you sell?

Hi there,

This is officially my first post - I need some info if you don't mind -
Is there someone that could shed light on the salary band assosiated with being a buyer?.....
I am doing research on this subject and i would like to do a parity check.

Is there someone that could assist in this regard?

Regards
Graham
021 596 3441 - Cape Town

Could some one post a Job descriptions of a Sourcing Manager, Sourcing Specialist, Commodity Manager and Procurement Specialist.

Reason is that currently recruitment companies are getting everything mixed up.

Strategic Sourcing Manager

• Lead procurement cross-functional teams by coordinating all business activities to achieve procurement decisions, which deliver the highest quality, reliability, and value to meet requirements through the development of strong business relationships and strategic alliances
• Maintain metrics for process improvement, supplier management and management reporting
• Negotiate and execute contractual agreements
• Develop, advocate and implement sourcing and negotiation strategies for key spend areas to achieve short and long term savings targets
• Utilise formal benchmarking process to determine best-in-class processes
  Measure and track performance within defined spend category
• Lead the data gathering process to continually update and identify user requirements, and internal spend characteristic
• Work on contracts/projects as assigned by management or as required
• Develop and negotiate contracts and work on projects as assignedLead process improvements initiatives
• Define, measure, and achieve measurement metrics to track progress and benefits of project
• Apply appropriate competitive cost and process benchmarks, financial analysis, and risk management techniques to solve complex issues
• Prioritize tasks consistent with meeting overall organisational goals

Category Manager

• Performs opportunity analysis to identify projects that will deliver significant cost savings and value improvement
• Lead cross-functional teams in the development of sourcing strategies for key indirect expenditure categories
• Analyse business processes and determine opportunities achieved through influencing supply and demand of services
• Structure and negotiate supply agreements and manage supplier relations and performance
• Select, maintain, and manage a supplier base that is financially sound, technically competent, and strategically aligned
• Use e-sourcing technologies to develop RFIs, RFPs, reverse auctions, and compose service contracts and supply agreements as required
• Develop programs to minimize transactional processing cost for non-critical items
• Ensure compliance with purchasing policies and procedures, ethical practices, and adherence to relevant laws and regulations

i need a help, i am doing research on procurement planning the topic is an assessment of procurement planning in public sector

Hi Esther,
I did some research on Procurement Planning in the Public Sector about 2 years ago. As this is a Public Sector question and as I think you will get more responses to your query in that section, I will post my response to you under the Public Sector topic. Click here to go to that topic or paste this in your address bar:
http://www.procurementtips.com/showt...?p=331#post331
Best regards
ShaunScott, Joburg

If you have just started to seriously think the role you would like to be in, ie Purchase/Procurement Manager: what tips would you give to someone who wants to break it into this industry?

I don't mind the idea of working hard, that goes without saying, but as a 'late starter' (had career in media sales before) I would be keen to know any possible 'shorcuts' if there is any anybody could recommend.

I would be more interested in roles in puclic corporate companies instead of the public sector.

Hi The Finn,
Interesting question.
Here are some ideas and thoughts:

• There are not many short cuts in this game. The key is to build a solid track record.

• Getting involved in big projects can assist. Consider getting involved in projects that involve some of the newer technologies (eProcurement / eAuctions) or techniques (maybe demand management). Projects involving some of the better consultant houses may help. There are often risks (real and perceived) such as project failures, but if your idea is fast path, then you will have to take risks.

• Training is always important. Be sure to do courses that extend your competencies into other areas of the Supply Chain. This positions you better for future promotions.

• Find a mentor and a coach. Mentors share their wisdom and coaches give you the tools and techniques to cope better.

Let us know what you have tried and what you will possibly try and consider.
Good luck
ShaunCScott

Nice one Shaun. Good advice to the man. Well tried to call you on Google.... Nigeria is hot but am enjoying myself.

Regards

Vince

Hi. I am looking to move to London to continue my Procurement career and wondered if I could get feedback on UK-specific nuaunces. I am conscious of the 'vernacular' used to describe roles - seeing as I have been called a Strategic Sourcing Manager, Vendor Manager, Relationship Manager, Contract Manager, Business Manager, Commercial Manager, Purchasing Manager, Buyer, and a Category Manager in my 12 years in this field. All feedback and all tips very much appreciated.