What are the functions of the purchasing manager?

Virtually no enterprise - industrial or commercial - can not do without material resources. They are necessary for the smooth operation of the entire company, and is responsible for ensuring that they have a supply manager. What are the professional duties of this specialist?

The procurement manager must ensure the availability of the necessary goods for sale, raw materials for production, materials for the performance of services. In part, he can perform the functions of a storekeeper, that is, he can know the state of the warehouse stocks, keep a record of receiving and issuing. However, in most modern enterprises, the supply manager is responsible not only for the availability, but also for the supply. It is he who must find reliable partners, from whom the firm will purchase goods or raw materials at affordable prices. He must be aware of the needs and productivity of the enterprise. In some companies, the purchasing manager also functions as a buyer (buyer). That is, he not only searches for suppliers, but also maintains the whole procedure of material support of the enterprise, from the calculation of requirements to the management of the warehouse.

The instructions of the purchasing manager are compiled individually, depending on the industry and the number of personnel. At large enterprises, there are several such specialists, each responsible for a certain group of goods. For example, one deals only with raw materials, the second with office materials. The third is responsible for maintenance: the availability of soap, cleaning products, tea, coffee, and Also household appliances. Accounting, warranty service, depreciation, inventory, write-off can also be part of his duties.

The purchasing manager is also responsible for the supply of quality goods. That is, the procedures for reclamation, treatment of marriage, delays, transportation can also be part of his duties. In addition, such an expert should correctly execute any of his transactions: accept an invoice, pay (or transfer to payment in the accounting department), issue a request, sign the order. The supply manager, whose responsibilities depend, first of all, on the industry and the scale of production or the volume of trade, must constantly monitor the availability of goods in the warehouse. This function is especially important for industrial enterprises. Any simple is a huge loss for the firm. The procurement manager must ensure the availability or uninterrupted supply of raw materials, as well as, for example, spare parts or consumables. Such a specialist maintains contacts with all departments - both with accounting and direct management, and with storekeepers, drivers, freight forwarders. Outside the enterprise, this is one of the first persons who contacts suppliers and contractors, therefore it is extremely important that he be able to maintain good relations and competently negotiate. If an enterprise imports, such a specialist may require knowledge of a foreign language and the principles of international transportation and customs clearance of goods.

Knowledge of computer programs should not be limited only to office applications. It is desirable that such an expert could work with accounting documents, and with transport. The procurement manager is one of the key positions of the firm. This specialist has a tremendous responsibility for ensuring the proper productivity of the enterprise.