Product Purchasing Manager / Product Buyer
Description
The purchasing manager is responsible for the procurement of raw materials, intermediate products and services required for the company's production. If it's not the production manager who does this job, it's the buyer or purchasing manager, who works in collaboration with the production managers. To buy the best products, he or she has to test them, so it's a technical function in addition to the commercial one. He or she must therefore be mobile and travel to trade shows, exhibitions and fairs, while keeping a close eye on suppliers and subcontractors.
Nature
The purchasing manager is responsible for the procurement of raw materials, intermediate products, finished goods and services required for the company's production. In large and medium-sized companies, the job is performed within the purchasing department; in small companies, the function is performed by technical production managers. The job involves close collaboration with the production, quality, product, R&D, procurement and sales departments. It requires frequent travel to suppliers, subcontractors, trade shows and exhibitions, and sometimes abroad.
Mission
Selection and purchase of raw materials, intermediates, finished products and services
Market prospecting, assessment of suppliers' ability to meet cost, lead-time, quality and quantity requirements.
Negotiation of best prices based on sales targets.
Skills
Négociation, rigueur
Esprit d’analyse
Compétences logistiques, commerciales et techniques
Flexibilité
Maîtrise de l’anglais et de l’outil informatique
Access
Business schools are effective in preparing this type of profile. However, long-term experience in the board sports environment is a prerequisite for this position. Additional training in logistics and production are also good springboards for aspiring to this position.