What is a Director of Purchasing Job?
A Director of Purchasing, also known as a Procurement Director, is responsible for overseeing the purchasing activities of an organization. They are in charge of acquiring the necessary goods and services to support the company's operations, ensuring that the purchases are made in a cost-effective and timely manner. The Director of Purchasing is a key role in the supply chain management of any organization, as they are responsible for managing the procurement process from start to finish.
What Usually Do in This Position?
The Director of Purchasing is responsible for a wide range of duties, including creating and implementing procurement policies and procedures, negotiating with suppliers, managing vendor relationships, and developing strategic sourcing plans. They work closely with other departments, such as finance, operations, and sales, to ensure that the organization's purchasing needs are met. Additionally, they are responsible for managing the purchasing team, delegating tasks, and training staff on procurement procedures.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Leadership and team management skills
- Expertise in procurement software and tools
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become a Director of Purchasing, you typically need a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. Many employers also require a master's degree in business administration or a related field. Additionally, you'll need several years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, along with experience in leadership and team management. Professional certifications, such as the Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), can also help demonstrate your expertise in the field.
Average Salary
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Director of Purchasing is around $120,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and years of experience.
Roles and Types
There are many different roles and types of Director of Purchasing jobs, depending on the organization and industry. For example, some may specialize in indirect procurement, while others focus on direct procurement. Some may work in the public sector, while others work in the private sector. Additionally, some may be responsible for managing procurement for a single location, while others oversee procurement for multiple locations or even global procurement.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
According to data from Indeed, some of the top locations for Director of Purchasing jobs in the United States include New York, NY, Houston, TX, Chicago, IL, Atlanta, GA, and Los Angeles, CA. However, there are opportunities for this type of role in virtually every industry and location.
What are the Typical Tools
Directors of Purchasing typically use a variety of tools and software to manage the procurement process, including procurement software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. Additionally, they may use tools to analyze procurement data, such as spend analysis software and supplier performance management software.
In Conclusion
The role of Director of Purchasing is a critical one in any organization, as they are responsible for managing one of the most important aspects of the business - procurement. With the right combination of education, experience, and skills, anyone can become a successful Director of Purchasing and make a significant impact on their organization's bottom line.