Purchase Head

Role & responsibilities

The Role & Responsibilities of a Purchase Head

Role:

The Purchase Head oversees and manages all procurement and purchasing activities within an organization to ensure cost-effective and timely acquisition of goods and services.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Sourcing: Develop and implement procurement strategies.
2. Vendor Management: Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
3. Negotiations: Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers.
4. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the procurement team.
5. Cost Control: Ensure purchases align with budget and cost-saving goals.
6. Supply Chain Coordination: Work closely with other departments for smooth supply chain management.
7. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to supply disruptions.
8. Compliance: Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and organizational procurement policies.
9. Reporting: Prepare regular procurement reports for senior management.

In short, the Purchase Head leads procurement efforts to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of products and services, while also managing the team and maintaining supplier relations.

Preferred candidate profile

A preferred candidate profile for a Purchase Head would

1. Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in procurement, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in managing large-scale procurement operations and vendor relationships.

2. Skills:

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.

3. Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (MBA is a plus).
• Certifications in procurement (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) are preferred.

4. Key Traits:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on cost management and efficiency.
• Ability to manage risks and ensure compliance.

In essence, the ideal candidate is an experienced, strategic thinker with excellent negotiation and team leadership skills, alongside a deep understanding of procurement processes and technologies.