Purchasing, Supply/Stock Courses

Purchasing and Supply: Overview

As spending money is often the first step towards making money, effective procurement is essential. The act of purchasing and supplying goods has been used by people for thousands of years. In today’s global economy this is an integral business function that, if done well can help bring considerable success to an organisation.

Due to the diversity of this sector, there are rarely two jobs the same, and each day offeres a new challenge.

Purchasers are often responsible for sourcing raw materials from worldwide suppliers and bringing them into the organisation. Their role also involves the purchasing of marketing, advertising or IT related services.

Expected Salary

£21,600 - £26,000 Starting salary

£30,000 - £40,000 with experience

£50,000 - £55,000+ after 10 years experience

Training

Currently, most organisations have a high demand for purchasing and supply roles. Some roles are required to have degree level qualifications, however, equivalent training and experiences are accepted. For most senior positions, a minimum of 3 years experience is required.

In most cases you will need to gain a Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualification. This can be gained through part-time study. Some companies will sponsor individuals or groups to gain the relevant qualifications.

There are some evening / weekend courses available and short courses in related skills could be extremely beneficial.

Underoak lists many short courses to aid you in your career progression. These may be funded individually or through your company (please check the prices with the trainer, as sometimes they often offer a lower price for self funded training). To search these courses, simply type the relevant key words and click on 'request further information' to send your enquiry direct to the trainer.

Other soft skills may be useful, such as assertiveness or customer service, first aid and health and safety.

Related Careers

When entering the purchasing profession you need to prove willingness to learn, independent thinking and determination. There are many job titles that fall under the purchasing and supply category, such as buying, goods and freight transport, imports, packaging, printing, stock control etc.

• Construction Buyer
• Industrial Buyer
• Visual Merchandiser
• Construction Buyer
• Distribution/Logistics Manager
• Media Buyer
• Production Manager
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Retail Buyer

Useful Links

Inside Careers

Charted Institute of Purchasing and Supply

Supply Management

Core Skills

Training in the following subjects may improve your chances:

• Business studies
• Purchasing and logistics
• Purchasing and supply
• Marketing
• Management
• Retail management
• Operations management
• Engineering

Relevant skills include:

• Purchasing skills with good relationship management skills
• Listening, understanding, communicating and empathy
• Commercial awareness
• Financial management, contract management, cost reduction and basic negotiation
• A good standard of numeracy in order to analyse facts and figures
• A flair for negotiation and networking
• The ability to make important decisions and cope with the pressure of demanding targets and tight deadlines
• A confident and mature approach
• Tact and diplomacy

Relevant work experience (paid or unpaid), or a sandwich placement is recommended when entering this sector. Some organisations run summer vacation schemes.

Job Sites

GIPS-GPA

Jobs 4 Purchasing

Purchasing Recruitment

Average working hours per week

Variable – Averaging at 37 hours per week.

Job Spotlight

Industrial Buyer

The Role

Purchasing and procurement is an increasingly important aspect of successful business performance in a wide range of sectors.

Industrial buyers are responsible for selecting the most appropriate goods and services for the company. They develop the best buying strategies for their organisation. As this is an increasingly competitive marketplace, buyers are essential.

Tasks typically involve:

• Predicting levels of demand for services and products
• Developing market knowledge
• Liaising with relevant parties
• Developing a purchasing strategy
• Negotiating and agreeing contracts
• Researching market trends
• Processing invoices
• Training and supervising the work of other members of staff

Salary:

£25,000 – 30,000+

Experience:

It is advisable to be able to present suggested experience. You may find a training course offers you the extra skills you are missing:

• Good oral and written communication and analytical skills
• Commercial awareness
• A good standard of numeracy
• Good negotiation and networking
• Confidence
• Tact and diplomacy

Career Development

Career development varies enormously. Larger companies have teams of people carrying out all the purchasing and supply activities. Smaller companies will rely on one person for all the work. A change in location can therefore improve your career development and progression.

At present, there is a general pattern of 2-3 years for career progression in this sector, from the lowest to a more senior position. Progression depends on skill levels.

Gaining the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualifications will enhance your promotion prospects, as does being geographically mobile.