Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Working Life
A Purchasing Officer in the manufacturing industry is likely to report to the Materials Manager, but organisational structures vary between individual firms and business sectors.
Purchasing work requires the establishment of requirements of goods and services with those who will be responsible for using them, seeking or selecting sources of supply, negotiating contracts and planning deliveries. This is all done while ensuring that the quality is as required, that the delivery is made when and where it is wanted and that the price represents, in the long run, the lowest obtainable cost to the organisation. This must be achieved in accordance with the law and with recognised ethical standards, avoiding all conflicts between the company's interest and that of the buyer personally.
Most of the money that the average company gets by selling its products is spent again in buying the goods and services needed to continue in business. Since so much money is spent on goods and services, the way this expenditure is managed has a big effect on profits or losses and thus on the organisation's future, hence the critical nature of the Purchasing Officer's job.
For school-leavers, the work might at first be in checking on order deliveries, making enquiries on suppliers and transport-providers or helping to develop forecasts of requirements. If there is a procedures manual in the purchasing department, it should be studied and it will be important to understand how supply work relates to other activities in the Organisation. Keyboard skills will need to be developed for using a computerised Supply Information System.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
- Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.
- Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
- Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
- Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
- Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
- Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
- Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
- Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
- Control purchasing department budgets.
Qualities - Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing
Good communication skills in speech and writing.
A positive, pleasant and energetic attitude are particularly valuable in an area of work where there are so many internal and external contracts at all levels.
The development of ability in contract and other negotiations is essential.
Numerical skills are important especially for working in a manufacturing environment in conjunction with Production Planners.
Normal colour vision may be required for certain areas of work.
Interests - Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing
A purchasing manager in manufacturing is responsible for overseeing the procurement of materials, equipment, and services for the production process. They negotiate with suppliers, monitor inventory levels, and ensure quality standards are met. A purchasing manager in manufacturing also analyzes market trends, evaluates supplier performance, and implements cost-saving strategies. To be a successful purchasing manager in manufacturing, one needs to have strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, as well as knowledge of the industry and relevant regulations.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: engineering technology, engineering operations, business, logistics, distribution, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business management, sales, logistics, distribution, purchasing, supply chain, purchasing, procurement.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Engineering, Logistics, Supply, Lean Sigma Management.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: manufacturing engineering, manufacturing engineering design, quantity surveying, logistics, supply chain management.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: sales, business, retail management, marketing, retail innovation, procurement, supply.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Pay & Salary - Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €110k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Brightwater / Clark/ Lincoln/ Morgan McKinley/ Azon/ Excel/ Osborne
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Production managers and directors in manufacturing.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment numbers in this occupation have grown strongly since 2020, with an additional 8,300 persons employed. Employment permits were issued across a number of managerial roles in manufacturing.
Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data point to issues in sourcing production managers, often with mechanical engineering, GMP, health & safety, and project management (including Lean processes) skills. Issues in relation to sourcing candidates with specific skills sets and industry experience have been identified and may result in future shortages if employment continues to rise.
Useful Contacts - Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing
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Supply Chain Management Institute (IPICS)
