Your guide to become an Purchasing Manager in Malaysia

Average Salary
5,500 - 6,500

Job Demand

Who is an Purchasing Manager

Purchasing Managers are responsible for buying the supplies, materials or finished goods a business needs to sell or manufacture products.

Purchasing Managers play a crucial role in an organisation. Not only do they look for suppliers, but they have to secure the materials of highest quality with the lowest cost to maximise the production with minimum resource. With this said, they will be attending multiple events from press conferences to trading shows to enlarge their networks and find potential new, better clients, suppliers and vendors. Most if not all purchasing decisions are made by the Purchasing Manager, including negotiation with suppliers and ensuring that the materials are arriving on time.

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The pros and cons of being an Purchasing Manager

Pros

Job opportunities in various industries, not limited to manufacturing
Suitable for people who love to travel
High average salary

Cons

Long work hours; Job may require you to render overtime
Continuing education/training is necessary

What are all the responsibilities of an Purchasing Manager ?

Predict the demand for a product and know the levels of remaining stock
Research the quality of different products
Work and build relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and clients
Negotiate contracts
Process payment, invoices and keep a record of contracts
Forecast economic changes
Give presentations on the possible changes in the market
Write reports

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What skills do you need to become an Purchasing Manager?

Adapting to different clients

Purchasing Managers only go for the best and cheapest materials regardless of its location. Therefore, you may encounter clients and suppliers from foreign countries. Difference in culture, language and way of business will be inevitable but it should not be an obstacle for you from securing the best deal. Learn the buttons and know where to press to not offend anyone and build your relationship for the best of future endeavours.

Negotiation skills

Not every price or deal is constant and confirmed until both parties sign the paper. Discussions can still be made until then, but it can barely happen if you are not communicating or building a relationship with the clients and suppliers. Effective communication and a good relationship between each other can almost guarantee that you will be able to snag a great deal!

Being able to handle pressure

You will have clients and suppliers calling you any other day to ask you when will the products and materials arrive, your boss will be asking you about your progress while you are struggling to go to another appointment to meet potential clients. It will be hectic, but you will need to be able to handle the pressure and deal with everything step by step professionally.

What field(s) of study should you choose to become an Purchasing Manager?

Business Administration
Marketing
Finance Management
Accounting

What are the requirements to be an Purchasing Manager?

Candidates should possess at least a degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance Management or any of relevant field. Some companies may require higher qualifications. There are also increasing demand on tech-savvy Purchasing Manager.

What are the working hours of an Purchasing Manager

The working hours of a Purchasing Manager is regular work hours. However, if a supplier is housed overseas, you may have to work at odd hours to accommodate them. You may need to work overtime occasionally to oversee the process and meeting with clients and suppliers.

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