Purchasing managers buy products and services for businesses and organizations, using data analysis and technical knowledge to obtain the lowest possible purchase price. They work in wholesale and retail purchasing, corporate and government settings, and agricultural purchasing. They research potential suppliers, develop fiscally responsible contract terms, and possess effective communication, math, and negotiation skills. The number of professionals working in purchasing manager jobs is expected to increase by 7% through 2018.
People who hold purchasing manager positions purchase a variety of products, goods, and services for businesses and organizations. Its purchasing strategy, designed to obtain the lowest possible purchase price, is formulated through detailed analysis of sales records, inventory levels, and careful attention to product supply and demand data. Also, they have a technical knowledge of the products and services they buy. Purchasing managers typically purchase wholesale and retail merchandise for resale, goods and services for businesses and organizations, and agricultural products.
Wholesale and retail purchasing manager jobs involve purchasing merchandise such as apparel, home furnishings, and other tangible products. These professionals, also called buyers, work directly with manufacturers and wholesalers to buy goods for resale in commercial and retail establishments. Given their significant responsibility for what products are available at these establishments, shoppers must be highly sensitive to customers’ interests to ensure that the merchandise they purchase attracts consumers and generates profits. Your decisions about what to buy are driven by data from inside and outside sales, economic conditions and consumer trends.
Purchasing managers in corporate and government settings accept bids and make offers for supply and service contracts, such as office equipment providers and janitorial services. Purchasing managers who buy agricultural products purchase goods such as farm equipment, crops, animal feed, and grains. Some of these items, particularly crops, can be purchased for further processing and resale.
An essential requirement in a purchasing manager’s job description is the ability to research potential suppliers to determine the most reliable, cost-effective and reputable suppliers. Purchasing managers can use the Internet to conduct these types of assessments and attend trade shows and conferences to become familiar with supplier companies and industry trends. They frequently interview suppliers and conduct site visits of their distribution facilities to assess the facility’s ability to deliver goods and services on time.
In addition to identifying the best vendors, a purchasing manager job description will specify that a person must be able to develop fiscally responsible contract terms that are in line with the company’s budget. Given the types of tasks he must undertake, a purchasing manager must possess effective communication, math, and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to think critically and problem solve. He must also be able to lead teams of assistant buyers and be proficient in using industry-specific software and the Internet.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of professionals working in purchasing manager jobs is expected to increase by 7% through 2018. There are several reasons for this anticipated growth, including greater collaboration between large and small companies that will require more purchasing. managers to oversee the negotiations. In addition, more people will be needed to identify suppliers as traditional in-house work is increasingly outsourced to reduce company costs. Graduates with backgrounds in business, economics, and marketing are likely to be hired to purchase managerial jobs, while this type of work in large corporations and government agencies may require advanced degrees in public or business administration.
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