Purchasing Manager Definition

Manufacturing plants are a regular work setting for purchasing managers.

A purchasing manager is the employee in a company whose primary function is to purchase items the company uses to do business, according to Business Dictionary. Purchases typically include supplies needed in the operation of the business, as well as materials required for manufacturing within a manufacturing organization.

Small Versus Large

The purchasing manager's job duties vary significantly depending on the size of the organization, according to Business Dictionary. In smaller companies, the purchasing manager is typically more directly involved in the actual purchases. In larger organizations, the purchasing department is often more extensive, requiring a full staff. Thus, the purchasing manager has supervisory responsibilities and manages staff who place the orders.

Job Settings

Common work settings for purchasing managers are wholesale trade operations, manufacturing organizations and public service departments. Wholesale trader operators, also known as distributors, buy products for resale to retailers or direct to final customers. Thus, a purchasing manager in wholesale might purchase office and workplace supplies for the business operation, as well as consumer products for resale to retail customers. In a manufacturing company, the purchase manager acquires materials needed for production at the best cost possible. Common raw materials may include lumber, steel, metal and iron. Public service departments require supplies and products to implement civic programs, including recreational programs and road repairs.

Purchasing Manager Versus Buyer

Though the titles are often used synonymously, some technical distinctions exist between purchasing managers, purchasing agents and buyers. Purchasing managers (often a supervisory position) and purchasing agents generally purchase supplies and products for consumption or use within the company. These include such items as office supplies, equipment and raw materials for manufacturing. Buyers are more often employees who purchase various retail products for resale, as in trade organizations or distributors. Again, this distinction is sometimes semantics, but it does highlight two important, but different roles of workers who purchase products for a company. In each case, the goal is to get the best deal possible on quality products.

Qualifications

Qualifications for a purchasing manager vary, but typically candidates must understand and be able to implement modern purchasing processes and develop relationships with suppliers. The city of Woodland, California's, "Purchasing Manager Job Description," says candidates must also have budget, supervision, evaluation and training skills to lead a staff. Purchasing managers must have excellent market and pricing analysis skills to help them get good value on acquisitions. It is also important for them to be aware of the legal environment in their work setting or industry. They also must be familiar with common purchasing records software solutions.

References

• Business Dictionary: Purchasing Manager Definition
• City of Woodland: Purchasing Manager