Focus on the “Purchasing Manager” profession
At the heart of corporate growth and profitability lies an essential link that is often underestimated: the Purchasing Manager. A true economic strategist, the professional is the central pivot of supply management within companies. But what are its real roles within the company? Let’s take stock.
What does a purchasing manager do?
Under the supervision of sales management, the Purchasing Manager (RA) assumes responsibility for all procurement-related tasks. In short, its role is to procure the raw materials, tools and services required to support production. As a result, it is frequently positioned within the company’s sales and marketing department. Its main tasks are as follows:
Price formation
Pricing in a commercial operation is based on determining the cost of a product for sale, an essential aspect. The Purchasing Manager works with the supplier to negotiate a mutually beneficial price, taking into account the quality, profitability and necessity of the goods or services to be acquired.
He must also anticipate the financial impact of the purchase on the company, aiming to obtain the best quality at the lowest cost, in the shortest possible time.
Choice of suppliers
To anticipate financial risks, the Purchasing Manager must define criteria for selecting suppliers. This involves establishing links between the purchasing marketing strategy and the candidates identified following the call for tenders. By examining the similarities, an informed choice emerges, making it possible to determine the ideal supplier(s) for the company.
Supplier relationship management
Supplier relations are an essential part of the Purchasing Manager’s role. Close collaboration with suppliers can help negotiate more advantageous terms, ensure product quality, and guarantee reliable delivery times. Purchasing managers must therefore establish and maintain solid professional relationships with their suppliers, while remaining open to negotiation and innovation.
Risk reduction
Purchasing managers are also responsible for minimizing risks to the company. This includes :
- Identifying supply chain risks,
- Setting up contingency plans in the event of disruptions,
- Constant monitoring of suppliers to ensure they comply with current standards and regulations.
Risk management is a crucial responsibility, especially in a constantly changing business environment.
What are the key skills needed to be a purchasing manager?
Negotiation
Negotiation is a key skill for purchasing managers. It covers not only prices, but also contractual terms, delivery times, guarantees and penalties for non-compliance.
Establishing strong relationships with suppliers is a major asset, enabling benefits such as price reductions, early access to innovative products and greater flexibility to meet changing needs.
Market watch
Purchasing managers not only react to current business needs, but must also anticipate market trends. This requires continuous monitoring of technological developments, fluctuations in raw material prices, current regulations and competitive developments.
Market intelligence enables us to make informed decisions, identify new opportunities and adjust purchasing strategies to remain competitive in a constantly changing environment.
Financial responsibility
The purchasing manager manages the company’s budget by optimizing spending, negotiating advantageous contracts and anticipating future needs to ensure the company’s financial stability and growth.
Widoo: a partner for purchasing optimization
In this constantly evolving ecosystem, partners like Widoo are emerging to make the task of the Purchasing Manager easier. As a collaborative purchasing group, Widoo offers framework contracts to optimize purchasing by pooling needs and negotiating advantageous contracts with suppliers. Thanks to Widoo, member Purchasing Managers maximize their purchasing power, gain in efficiency and make substantial savings.
In conclusion, the Purchasing Manager is much more than just a link in the operational chain. Acting as an economic strategist, he ensures procurement, shapes supplier relations, minimizes risks and drives efficient financial management. His negotiating skills, strategic market vision and financial responsibility make him a key player in the growth and profitability of companies.