A procurement supervisor, also known as a purchasing manager, is in charge of overseeing all aspects of a supply chain. This person is in charge of ensuring that a consistent and adequate supply of materials is procured and ready for a manufacturing operation. A procurement supervisor’s responsibilities may include managing imports, understanding shipping regulations, and conducting a supplier analysis. A procurement supervisor’s ability to negotiate at a high level is usually regarded as a valuable asset. This position may have supervisory responsibilities similar to those of other mid-level management positions.
Typically, the procurement supervisor will ensure that the flow of required supplies is sufficient at all times. As a reliable supply chain is a major contributor to a leaner manufacturing operation, doing so allows for optimal productivity. All of the links between the source of required supplies and the end destination at a manufacturing facility make up a supply chain. In most cases, using analytics to track shipments is necessary. This is usually done to ensure that procurement channels are as efficient and reliable as possible.
Any changes in import and shipping regulations are usually kept up to date by the supervisor. A procurement manager’s ability to keep track of various legislative changes that may affect the import of goods is crucial. Even if goods aren’t being imported, shipping regulations may still apply. If a raw material that poses a risk to public safety is part of the company’s supply chain, for example, a procurement supervisor would need to be at least somewhat familiar with shipment regulations.
Those in procurement management are typically expected to be better negotiators than the average person. When negotiating for the best deal, there is tension because the seller is likely to want the highest price for a supply-chain item, while the buyer is usually looking to cut costs. When there is a lot of competition for a necessary item, negotiation skills become even more important.
In the event of a price increase, a procurement supervisor may conduct research and make recommendations to company management. A materials analysis of other sources for the item may be included in these recommendations. If a highly competitive market makes it difficult to obtain critical supplies, the procurement supervisor may conduct research and make recommendations for a substitute material. In other cases, the procurement supervisor may go out and find a better product in order to keep a competitive, innovative edge. Mid-level management is the term used to describe this type of job.