Trade guide
Purchasing Manager
The Purchasing Manager works at the heart of the company’s economic strategy. They are responsible for analysing requirements, selecting suppliers and negotiating purchasing terms and conditions in order to optimise costs, quality and delivery times. They have strong negotiation, financial analysis and contract management skills.
The business
What is a Purchasing Manager?
Its role
The Purchasing Manager defines and steers the company’s purchasing policy. You analyse requirements, negotiate with suppliers and optimise costs in line with the general strategy. Your mission: to guarantee the quality of supplies while keeping budgets and deadlines under control.
Its field of action
As a Purchasing Manager, you will work in a stimulating environment where negotiation and analysis are part of everyday life. You will work closely with the production, quality, finance and management teams to ensure that purchasing is aligned with strategic objectives.
Frequent travel in France and abroad means you can meet suppliers directly. This proximity on the ground strengthens your negotiating skills and your understanding of supply chain issues in an international context.
The functions
What does a Purchasing Manager do?
Your day-to-day work as a Purchasing Manager is punctuated by a variety of strategic and operational assignments.
You define the purchasing policy by analysing needs and volumes
You will manage a team of buyers specialised by product category
You negotiate framework agreements with strategic suppliers
You are responsible for sourcing by managing supplier databases
You manage invitations to tender and approve contracts
You will produce reports with dashboards and performance indicators
You integrate CSR criteria and check the ethics of suppliers
You manage contractual disputes and optimise purchasing processes
Qualifications
The qualities and skills needed to be a good Purchasing Manager
Negotiation and diplomacy
Your strength of conviction and your ability to listen are essential. You know how to strike the right balance between commercial firmness and maintaining lasting relationships with your suppliers.
Technical and legal expertise
You have in-depth knowledge of products, production constraints and contract law. This expertise enables you to negotiate effectively in an international context.
Management and leadership
Your ability to unite a team of buyers is crucial. You coordinate work, set objectives and develop the skills of your colleagues.
The benefits
What are the advantages of being a Purchasing Manager?
This job puts you at the heart of the company’s economic performance. Your impact on profitability is direct and measurable, particularly with the rise of responsible and sustainable purchasing. This strategic role gives you a global view of the company and its competitive challenges.
The purchasing function is increasingly recognised in all business sectors. Your expertise will give you the opportunity to progress to positions such as purchasing director, supply chain director or general management. The autonomy and variety of your assignments will guarantee you lasting professional fulfilment.
Remuneration
Purchasing manager: salary and career development
As a purchasing manager, you’ll earn an attractive salary with interesting career prospects. At the start of your career, you can expect to earn €36,000 gross per annum. After a few years’ experience, this figure rises to €60,000, with senior profiles earning up to €85,000 gross per annum.
In addition, there are often significant benefits, such as a company car for supplier travel, bonuses for savings targets and profit sharing. Your career prospects will take you into the purchasing departments of industrial groups or strategic positions in supply chain management.
Up to
85 000 €
Salary per year
Training courses
How do I get to be a Purchasing Manager?
Our training courses
Are you interested in the job of Purchasing Manager and want to secure a strategic position in a good company? The right training at a leading business school is essential. INSEEC offers you a course of excellence specially designed to prepare you for the demands of the job of Purchasing Manager and to help you successfully enter the world of business.
Discover
Other jobs that may interest you
INSEEC offers a wide range of programmes to help you train for your dream job.
All about
Our guides
Consult our guides to find out all you need to know about education, work-linked training and careers.
