Skills and abilities: Excellent financial skills, with very good negotiating. Leadership and managerial skills, with networking ability.
What you’ll be doing: The role of purchasing can be of importance to a wide variety of companies, businesses, and organisations where the acquisition of goods and services is needed. Typical day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Making decisions on the types and number of goods and services needed
- Monitoring and forecasting stock levels, sourcing new products and suppliers
- Negotiating prices, agreeing contracts, and staying up-to-date with market trends
- Training staff regarding purchase activity or specific purchasing functions
Career progression: You may begin as a trainee, purchasing executive, or purchasing assistant. With experience, you may become purchasing supervisor, purchasing director or head of procurement. You may choose to earn a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.