Purchase Manager

Technical and Functional Skills:

• Procurement Knowledge: A deep understanding of procurement principles, strategies, and best practices is fundamental. This includes knowledge of sourcing methodologies, vendor evaluation, negotiation techniques, contract management, and purchase order processing.
• Market Analysis: The ability to conduct thorough market research to identify trends, analyze pricing fluctuations, and assess the availability of materials and goods is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions. Familiarity with local markets in and around Ahmedabad will be an added advantage.
• Cost Optimization: Strong skills in budgeting, cost analysis, and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality are vital for managing the procurement budget effectively.
• Inventory Management: Knowledge of inventory management systems and techniques to monitor stock levels, analyze demand patterns, and implement strategies to avoid shortages or excess inventory is important for smooth production.
• Supplier Relationship Management: The ability to identify, evaluate, select, and manage suppliers based on quality, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to ethical and sustainability standards is key. This includes building strong, long-term partnerships and resolving any issues that may arise.
• Contract Management: Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts with suppliers to ensure favourable terms, payment schedules, and mutually beneficial agreements while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements in India.
• Quality Assurance: Understanding quality standards and the ability to ensure that procured materials and goods meet the required specifications and quality benchmarks.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Understanding: A general understanding of the supply chain, including logistics, transportation, and warehousing, can help in making efficient procurement decisions.
• Proficiency in Procurement Software: Familiarity with using procurement software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for managing purchase orders, tracking inventory, and analyzing procurement data.
• Knowledge of Local Regulations: Awareness of local and national laws and regulations related to procurement and taxation in India is essential for compliance.

Interpersonal and Soft Skills:

• Negotiation Skills: Excellent negotiation skills are paramount to secure the best possible prices and terms with suppliers. This includes the ability to understand different negotiation tactics and strategies.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary for interacting with suppliers, internal stakeholders (like production, finance, and quality control departments), and team members. Fluency in local languages spoken in Ahmedabad and Gujarat could be beneficial.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to analyze data, identify issues, and develop effective solutions related to procurement challenges, such as supplier delays or quality problems.
• Decision-Making Skills: The capacity to make sound and timely decisions regarding supplier selection, purchase quantities, and other critical procurement matters, often under pressure.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: The ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams within the manufacturing unit to understand their requirements and align procurement activities with organizational goals.
• Leadership and Management Skills: If managing a team of purchasing staff, strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills are essential to guide and motivate the team.
• Ethical Judgment: Maintaining high ethical standards and integrity in all procurement dealings is crucial for building trust and ensuring fair practices.
• Attention to Detail: Accuracy in purchase orders, contracts, and other procurement-related documents is vital to avoid errors and discrepancies.
• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing market conditions, supplier landscapes, and internal requirements is important in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Business and Strategic Skills:

• Strategic Thinking: The ability to develop and implement procurement strategies that align with the overall business objectives of the manufacturing unit.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding financial metrics and budgeting processes to manage purchasing costs effectively and within allocated budgets.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks in the supply chain, such as supplier insolvency or disruptions.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering (especially Industrial Engineering), or a related field is often preferred. A Master's degree or an MBA in Operations or Supply Chain Management can be an advantage for senior roles.
• Typically, 5+ years of relevant experience in procurement or purchasing within the Indian market, preferably in a manufacturing environment, is expected. Prior experience in managing supplier relationships and negotiating contracts within the local context of Ahmedabad would be highly valuable.
• Certifications in procurement and supply chain management from recognized Indian or international institutions (e.g., Certified Professional in Supply Management - CPSM, Certified Purchasing Professional - CPP) can enhance a candidate's profile.
• Familiarity with local suppliers and sourcing channels in the Ahmedabad and Gujarat region is a significant asset.