As a Purchasing Manager, you will need to master following:

• analyse supply chain trends
• assess supplier risks
• coordinate purchasing activities
• corporate social responsibility
• issue sales invoices
• maintain relationship with customers
• maintain relationship with suppliers
• manage inventory
• negotiate sales contracts
• supplier management

More generally, a purchasing manager is also versed in:

• analyse logistic changes
• analyse supply chain strategies
• estimate costs of required supplies
• follow company standards
• identify suppliers
• liaise with managers
• manage budgets
• manage contracts
• negotiate buying conditions
• order supplies
• quality standards
• strive for company growth
• study sales levels of products
• supply chain management
• supply chain principles

It also helps to know the following:

• assess procurement needs
• category specific expertise
• implement procurement of innovation
• implement sustainable procurement
• manage procurement planning
• market pricing
• monitor stock level
• perform procurement market analysis
• procurement lifecycle
• track price trends
• use e-procurement
• procurement legislation
• advise on sustainable management policies
• analyse consumer buying trends
• attend trade fairs
• calculate purchasing levels of raw materials
• carry out statistical forecasts
• ensure equipment availability
• maintain contract administration
• manage rented goods returns
• manage staff
• manage supplies
• pricing strategies
• recruit employees
• risk management
• train employees