Buyer
buyer - supplier, buyer - seller, purchasing manager, buyer - product manager (in distribution)
Employed in industry or mass distribution, the buyer chooses products according to precise cost and quality criteria, selects suppliers and negotiates the best purchasing conditions (price, delivery times). The function, essential in companies, is experiencing strong expansion.
Professional life
Several possible sectors
The buyer can work in industry, distribution, the public sector and, increasingly, in services. In distribution, he is an employee of a purchasing center (the structure which buys products from manufacturers for different brands such as Auchan, Intermarché, etc.) or a store. In this case, he often works as department manager at the same time. In industry, his position is attached to the purchasing department.
Rare and expensive places
Although the function is growing in importance, the number of buyers remains limited in France. They are mainly found in structures with more than 200 employees. Some sectors recruit more than others: one in two jobs is offered in industry.
Scalable positions
Young graduates generally start as purchasing assistants. In large companies, they can obtain executive status as soon as they are hired. With experience, they can progress to a position of manager, purchasing director or supply department. In distribution, towards the position of group leader.
Beginner's salary
From 1800 to 2500 euros gross per month.
Working conditions
Various interlocutors
To find out the product needs of his company, the buyer communicates with various contacts. In the industry, he works closely with the production and quality departments. In distribution, he consults with sales managers and store managers. In permanent contact with suppliers, he receives them or negotiates directly by telephone.
Some mobility required
He is also required to travel to meet various people and participate in product presentations and trade shows (food, wine, etc.). His job requires him to make numerous trips, sometimes unplanned, over a more or less extensive geographical area. Possibly abroad, if it deals with European suppliers for example.
Extensive responsibilities
The buyer's responsibilities have continued to expand. When he concludes a contract worth several hundred thousand euros, he financially commits his company. Furthermore, during the negotiation of annual distribution contracts (at the start of the year, during peak production periods in the industry), the buyer is subject to strong pressure.
SKILLS
Between intuition and rigor
Real curiosity is essential for the buyer to know the products, their characteristics, their technical developments. Rigor and method allow him to build up important documentation, constantly updated. He surfs the internet daily to anticipate market developments and learn about new trends.
Stressed people refrain!
This negotiation marathoner must know how to argue and convince. A spirit of initiative and excellent interpersonal skills are two strong points, as are an assertive personality, a sense of listening and dialogue. Resilient and motivated, those who choose this profession know how to manage stress better than anyone!
Double skill appreciated
In industry, dual technical and commercial skills are becoming a necessity. And at a time of international openness, the practice of English, or even a second foreign language, is essential.
Nature of the work
Find the right suppliers
Buying seems simple! However, the buyer's mission is not limited to the choice of products. He must also select suppliers and conduct negotiations with them. Its mission: to obtain the best quality/price ratio. Objective for his company: reduce costs and stocks as much as possible, and thus increase its turnover.
Negotiate to reduce costs
The buyer prospects suppliers whose services are likely to interest him. He takes note of the quality and price of the goods, the quantities available, delivery times, etc. Then he tries to obtain the most advantageous purchasing conditions possible. If his interlocutor remains intransigent, the buyer can modify his strategy and suggest that he will negotiate with another supplier...
Large stores and industry
In mass distribution, the buyer is responsible for a product sold by the hypermarket (dairy products, shoes, drinks, audiovisual products, etc.). In industry, its function is focused on supply
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