Procurement manager

A procurement manager is responsible for overseeing an organisation's purchasing procedures and policies. This position involves sourcing and selecting vendors, negotiating contracts and ensuring quality assurance. A procurement manager ensures that purchases align with the company's goals and strategy by ensuring that they are made at the best possible price while still maintaining quality.

The goal of a procurement manager is to manage the entire procurement process, from identifying sourcing needs to selecting appropriate vendors and ensuring timely delivery of the requested materials and services. A procurement manager works closely with internal teams such as finance and operations to identify needs and stay within budget. Procurement managers are critical in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, government and more.

The responsibilities of a procurement manager vary but include the following:

• Forecasting future procurement needs based on historical data and industry trends
• Collaborating and negotiating with departments to determine item and service requirements
• Making informed decisions on budget allocations
• Generating detailed reports outlining procurement needs
• Developing cost-effective procurement strategies
• Identifying and engaging reliable suppliers and vendors
• Cultivating long-term relationships with suppliers
• Networking at trade events
• Approving purchase orders and ensuring timely delivery
• Managing the procurement budget and promoting cost savings
• Overseeing IT systems for tracking shipments and inventory
• Conducting risk assessments for contracts and agreements
• Researching and evaluating suppliers
• Establishing effective supplier relationships
• Developing strategies for cost-effective purchasing
• Maintaining relationships with current suppliers
• Evaluating spending operations and improving product quality and delivery
• Updating management on the flow of goods and services
• Conducting cost analyses and setting improvement benchmarks
• Developing risk management procedures
• Supervising a purchasing team
• Collaborating with the legal department on contract terms
• Staying informed about global market trends

Most people working as procurement managers have a college degree. You can become a procurement manager with any bachelor's degree, but having a degree in a relevant field, such as business, logistics, or supply chain management, may help. Some positions may require an advanced degree, such as an MBA or other relevant post-graduate qualification. 
 

Some fields, like construction or engineering, might expect you to have knowledge about the industry.