Industrial buyer
Purchasing and procurement is an important aspect of successful business performance in a wide range of sectors.
Industrial buyers are responsible for ensuring that their companies select the most appropriate goods and services on the basis of price, quality, delivery times and services support. They must also take their own business brand needs and customer interests into consideration.
Industrial buyers develop the best buying strategies for their organisation with a view to maintaining consistent quality and managing costs. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, with growing public awareness of corporate social responsibility, buyers have a key role in industries as diverse as telecommunications, financial services and manufacturing.
The work activities carried out by an industrial buyer depend largely on the business functions, size and location of the employing organisation.
Duties will also be influenced by seniority. Tasks typically involve:
Entry requirements vary depending on the type and size of the employing organisation. Large retail stores and wholesale distribution centres prefer applicants who have completed a degree with a business emphasis. Some manufacturing firms place greater emphasis on formal training and knowledge of the field and therefore may prefer applicants with a degree in engineering, economics or one of the applied sciences. So, although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following degree subjects may improve your chances:
A number of specialist undergraduate degrees have been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and are a route into membership of the Institute. See the CIPS website for more details.
Whilst most advertised positions are for graduates only, it is still possible to enter at a lower level and gain promotion with experience. There may also be a small number of openings for HND holders, particularly for Diplomates with specialist technical training.
A postgraduate qualification is not essential, although there are a growing number of Masters degrees and Diplomas in purchasing, supply and logistics. The Graduate Diploma offered by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) is increasingly becoming a route to a postgraduate qualification in purchasing and supply and is the most usual route to membership of the Institute. The Diploma programme can be followed part-time and exemptions exist for HNC/HND holders. Other courses accredited by CIPS offer alternative ways into membership and many are available on a part-time basis. See the CIPS website for details.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Buyers must enjoy meeting people and be highly competent at managing relationships with company managers, colleagues and suppliers. Previous business experience, especially gained in buying and selling, would be advantageous. Relevant work experience/shadowing, paid or unpaid, or a sandwich placement, will enhance your chances of selection. Competition is keen but not as severe as for related areas such as marketing. Some organisations run summer vacation schemes.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Part-time study to gain the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualifications is regarded as essential and some companies will sponsor individuals or groups to gain the relevant qualifications. The CIPS qualifications offer a structured programme of training for buying professionals at all levels, from an Introductory Certificate to an Executive Diploma. It is important to note that many buyers may find it difficult to fit in the time for studying alongside full-time work, so distance learning options are available. See the CIPS website for more details. In addition to studying for professional qualifications such as the Level 3 Certificate in Purchasing and Supply, the Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and Supply, and the CIPS Graduate Diploma, training is of a practical nature and most of it is gained on the job.
Formal training and practical learning are usually supported by short courses in related skills such as communication, negotiation, planning, cost modelling and management. Many new buyers learn by working closely with more experienced members of staff.
Graduates may begin as trainees, junior buyers or assistant buyers. New employees are expected to learn the specifics of their employer's business and this is usually part of the induction or initial training programme. The work generally involves assessing material requirements, checking invoices on materials received, keeping track of stock, and other general administrative duties.
Although not always directly related to industrial buying, the Account Planning Group also offers a range of training courses covering skills and areas of related interest that industrial buyers may find useful.
Career development for industrial buyers varies enormously. In larger companies, all the buying and procurement activities are carried out by a number of people working in teams, possibly at different locations. In a smaller company, however, one person may be responsible for all the work, so career progression may require a change of location.
The common career development pattern is two to three years as a junior or assistant buyer and then movement into a more senior role, possibly with some management responsibility. Experienced buyers generally progress by moving to a department that manages a larger volume of goods, products or services. Others may move into sales for a manufacturer or wholesaler.
Other career opportunities include moving into managing groups of buyers or acting as director of materials management. It is possible to specialise in a specific area such as IT, facilities management or travel.
Gaining the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualifications will enhance your promotion prospects, as does being geographically mobile. You may have to travel overseas to assess the suitability of goods or products, and there may also be opportunities to work abroad with large multinational organisations.
Self-employment for buyers with experience has become a recent possibility.
Purchasing and procurement are increasingly recognised as key to the successful business development and performance of companies across a wide range of industries and organisations. Typical employers include:
E-procurement or managing multiple suppliers through the use of technology is growing in the public sector and in some industries, such as information and communication technology and construction. This use of e-business to boost supply chain activities, whereby invoices and other documents are sent electronically with all information held in a central archiving hub, is likely to increase.
Some recruitment agencies handle vacancies for sales and purchasing posts, although they often require some experience. Purcon specialises in work related to purchasing.
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