Mastering the Craft of Effective Purchasing: Essential Skills for Today's Purchase Managers in Switzerland

This job series is part of all Purchasing/Procurement jobs in Switzerland series, check our other focus on the blog

What is the job of a Purchase Manager?

As a Purchase Manager, think of yourself as the mastermind of your organization's end-to-end purchasing activities – but with strategy and savvy! Your mission: to craft smart purchasing plans, charm and negotiate with suppliers, and seal deals that make the finance team high-five you. You're like a detective, scouting the market for the best vendors, comparing prices like a pro, and ensuring your company gets top-notch supply at competitive prices.

Your days are filled with managing supplier relations (think speed-dating for business), keeping an eye on market trends (fortune-telling, but with numbers), and ensuring everything you buy is competitive and the best deal.

You'll juggle purchase orders with the finesse of a circus performer, all while collaborating with other departments to make sure the business runs smoother than a Swiss watch. In short, you're the purchasing superhero every company needs!

What to expect in Purchase Management?

On a day-to-day basis, you will develop, lead and execute purchasing strategies and oversee the purchasing team in their daily activities. Your role involves assessing supplier profiles and analyzing offers, preparing and implementing effective negotiation tactics. You will manage relationships with key suppliers to maintain the quality of goods, timely delivery and contract compliance. 

You will also be expected to forecast price trends and their impact on future activities. Your goal is to ensure that the company procures all its goods, services and equipment in a timely manner and at the most competitive prices.

Another key aspect of your role will be ensuring that all procurement activities adhere to laws and ethical standards. This includes preparing and processing purchase orders in accordance with the company's policies and procedures.

What are the myths about Purchase Management?

We love to bust myths! Here are the most stubborn ones about Purchase Managers:

1. Myth: Focus Only on Local Suppliers: There's a myth that Purchase Managers in Switzerland primarily deal with local suppliers. The truth is that they often engage in global sourcing, navigating international markets and suppliers to optimize the supply chain and align with the organization's global strategy.

2. Myth: Don't Need to Understand the Products They're Buying. Reality: A good Purchase Manager needs to have a deep understanding of the products they're buying. This knowledge helps them make informed decisions about suppliers and negotiate effectively. 

3. Myth: Limited Career Growth Opportunities. Some believe that Purchase Management offers limited prospects for career advancement. However, this field can lead to significant opportunities for growth into higher strategic roles, such as Supply Chain Management and Strategic Sourcing.

What are the competencies required for a Purchase Manager?

1. Supply Chain and Vendor Management Skills: Proficiency in managing and optimizing supply chains, including vendor selection, negotiation, and relationship management. Understanding the nuances of both local and international procurement is crucial.
2. Strategic Sourcing and Cost Management: The ability to develop and implement effective sourcing strategies that optimize costs while maintaining quality. This includes market analysis, risk assessment, and leveraging economies of scale.
3. Contract Negotiation and Legal Compliance: Expertise in negotiating contracts with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms, and compliance with Swiss and international trade laws and regulations. This competency is key in managing legal and financial risks in procurement.|
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4. ‍Financial Acumen: Understanding financial metrics and budgeting is essential for this role. A Purchase Manager needs to manage the purchasing budget effectively and make cost-effective purchases.

What qualities are required of a Purchase Manager?

1. Negotiation Skills: No surprise on this one! A Purchase Manager must have excellent negotiation skills to secure the best prices and terms from suppliers, ensuring the company gets value for money. 
2. Analytical and Decision-Making Skills: The ability to analyze market trends, assess supplier capabilities, and make informed, tough decisions under pressure, such as choosing between suppliers or deciding on the best time to make a purchase.
3. Strong Communication and Relationship-Building Abilities: Effective communication skills to negotiate with suppliers, collaborate with internal teams, and build lasting relationships with stakeholders, both within and outside the organization.

What is the future of Purchase Management?

Digitisation is changing value chains and business models.

Purchase Managers will need to leverage data-driven insights to make informed decisions about suppliers, pricing, and inventory management. This could lead to more efficient purchasing processes and cost savings for businesses. 

Furthermore, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in purchasing decisions. In the future, Purchase Managers may need to consider not only cost and quality but also the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. 

However, despite these changes, the core skills required for a Purchase Manager – such as negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and a keen understanding of supply chain dynamics – will remain critical. Therefore, while the role may evolve with technological advancements, its essence will likely remain the same.

How to best start a career in Purchase Management?

Some companies place a higher emphasis on credentials than others. If you're at the beginning of your career, certifications can provide foundational knowledge and set you apart in the competitive field of purchasing management.

The most widely recognised certifications are from ASCM, ISM, and CIPS:

1. ASCM's Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM): Great for beginners, offering deep insights into manufacturing and operations, critical for effective purchasing management.
2. ASCM's Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): This certification provides a broad overview, ideal for Purchase Managers looking to enhance their overall supply chain expertise.
3. ISM's Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM): This is the gold standard in procurement strategies and supply management, but also relevant for purchase management.
4. CIPS's MCIPS: Similar to CPSM but with a stronger recognition in Europe, making it a valuable asset for Purchase Managers operating or aspiring to work in Switzerland.

However, there are plenty of purchasing managers successful in their field without these certifications,which leads us to the next question:

How to find the best Purchase Management jobs that suit you?

Job listings often include specific requirements. Search for positions where your abilities align closely with the job requirements and make this a strong selling point in your application.

Use keywords like "Junior Purchase Manager," "Assistant Purchase Manager," or "Purchase Coordinator" to find entry-level positions in the field. 

A smart move: Stand out from the crowd by creating a video application through moonwork. This is your chance to showcase your purchase management skills and your ability to communicate effectively.

Reach out to professionals in the industry through LinkedIn or other networking events. The Swiss Trade Association for Purchasing and Supply (procure.ch) offers events and training opportunities across Switzerland.