Job Role Description

Finance > Purchasing Manager

Salary National Average

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66520.0000 101370.0000 123220.0000

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Short Description:

A Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of goods and services to meet the organization's operational needs while optimizing costs and ensuring quality standards. They develop purchasing strategies, negotiate contracts with suppliers, and manage vendor relationships to secure the best pricing and terms. Purchasing Managers also monitor inventory levels, analyze market trends, and ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Strong negotiation, leadership, and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
  • Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
  • Locate vendors of materials, equipment, or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
  • Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
  • Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
  • Maintains records of goods ordered and received.
  • Participate in developing specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials.
  • Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
  • Resolve vendor or contractor grievances and claims against suppliers.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Coordination: Adjusting actions concerning others' actions.
  • Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Database User Interface and Query Software: Corel Paradox; Database software; Microsoft Access; Oracle DBMS
  • Electronic Mail Software: IBM Lotus Notes; Microsoft Outlook
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP Software — Bowen & Groves M1 ERP; Epicor Vantage ERP; Lawson M3 Supply Chain Management software; Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Procurement Software: Ariba Spend Management Suite; Bottomline Technologies Bottomline Sprinter Purchasing Manager; Purchasing software; PurchasingNet eProcurement
  • Project Management Software: Microsoft Project; Primavera Systems SureTrak Project Manager
  • Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel
  • Word Processing Software: Microsoft Word
  • Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Job Zones

  • Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. 
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. 
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 2-4 years of preparation (7.0 to < 8.0)

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