Identifying Needs: work closely with different departments within the company to understand their purchasing requirements. This might involve analyzing requisitions, researching new products, and identifying potential cost-saving opportunities.
Supplier Research and Sourcing: They research and identify potential vendors or suppliers who can provide the required goods or services at the best possible value. This involves evaluating factors like price, quality, reliability, and lead times.
Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Quotes: draft RFPs outlining the company's needs and solicit quotes from shortlisted vendors. They then compare proposals based on price, terms, and other relevant criteria.
Negotiation and Contract Management: Negotiating contracts with vendors to secure the best possible deals in terms of price, payment terms, delivery schedules, and warranty agreements. They ensure contracts are legally sound and protect the company's interests.
Order Placement and Monitoring: place orders with the chosen vendor and monitor the delivery process to ensure timely receipt of goods or services.
Inventory Management : monitoring stock levels and initiating new orders when necessary.
Recordkeeping and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of purchases, vendor information, contracts, and pricing data. They may also generate reports on purchasing activities and trends for management.
Skill Requirements
Strong Negotiation Skills: Negotiating effectively with vendors to secure the best possible deals on price, terms, and conditions is a core purchaser skill.
Communication Skills: excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with internal departments, vendors, and potentially negotiate contracts in multiple languages.
Analytical Skills: Analyzing market trends, comparing quotes, and identifying cost-saving opportunities require strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy is crucial in ensuring correct order specifications, pricing, and contract terms.
Technical Knowledge : technical knowledge of the goods or services in the automation, machining and trading industries.
Computer Literacy: Purchasers typically use purchasing software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and other digital tools to manage their work.
Additional Skills
Project Management Skills: to ensure timely and successful completion for larger procurement projects
International Trade Knowledge (for import/export): If the company deals with international suppliers, understanding import/export regulations and customs procedures is preferred.
SQL
Google Workspace (Google Docs, Google Sheets etc..)
