Purchasing Manager (International)

The Purchasing Manager leads procurement, ensuring timely, cost-effective acquisition of quality goods and services. Key responsibilities include strategic planning, supplier management, negotiation, and product research.

Job Title: Purchasing Manager (International)

Department: Procurement

Reports To: Purchasing Director

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement process, ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services while maintaining high-quality standards. 

This role requires strategic planning, supplier relationship management, and effective negotiation to support the company's operational and financial objectives. A critical part of this role involves conducting extensive research on product specifications, points of origin, quality, and competitive pricing to enhance profitability while maintaining a strong knowledge of existing products. The Purchasing Manager will also collaborate closely with the shipping and logistics team to ensure efficient operations.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy:

Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with organizational goals.

Monitor market trends and adjust purchasing strategies to maximize efficiency and cost savings.

Supplier Management:

Identify, evaluate, and maintain relationships with reliable suppliers.

Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing to secure the best value for the company.

Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and address issues as needed.

Purchasing Operations:

Oversee the preparation and processing of purchase orders.

Ensure the timely delivery of goods and services to meet operational needs.

Resolve discrepancies related to invoices, deliveries, or quality issues.

Research and Product Knowledge:

Conduct extensive research on product specifications, points of origin, quality, and competitive pricing to identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure procurement of high-quality goods.

Stay updated on market trends and new product developments to enhance the company’s product portfolio and profitability.

Maintain in-depth knowledge of existing products, including their applications and performance, to make informed purchasing decisions.

Collaboration with Shipping and Logistics:

Work closely with the shipping and logistics team to coordinate deliveries, manage lead times, and address transportation challenges.

Ensure efficient movement of goods from suppliers to storage facilities or end-users.

Budget Management:

Manage the procurement budget and track spending to ensure adherence to financial targets.

Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement measures to reduce expenses.

Team Leadership:

Supervise and mentor purchasing staff, fostering professional development.

Assign tasks, set performance goals, and conduct performance evaluations.

Compliance and Documentation:

Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies and legal requirements.

Maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing, and supplier agreements.

Collaboration and Reporting:

Work closely with other departments to forecast demand and plan inventory.

Prepare and present reports on procurement activities, cost analyses, and supplier performance.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Proven experience as a Purchasing Manager or in a similar role.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong negotiation and contract management skills.

Excellent analytical and decision-making abilities.

Proficiency in procurement software and tools.

Exceptional organizational and time management skills.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with suppliers, logistics teams, and internal departments.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CPM, CPSM, CIPS).

Experience in managing international supply chains and knowledge of import/export regulations