Purchaser / Sourcing Specialist

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Examples of positions

Purchaser, Purchasing Agent, Sourcing Specialist, Sourcing Manager

Change in future demand for this occupational group:

Trends in demand for this occupational group:

Demand for purchasing people is likely to grow. In view of the trends in electrical engineering this occupation will constitute a major factor of competitive advantage. The existing trends such as optimisation of the supply chain, lowering costs, search for cheaper subcontractors and outsourcing of selected parts of both manufacturing and non-manufacturing operations will increase demand for these occupations. Again, as with other trade-related occupations, the number of employment opportunities will not be so high and the labour market will offer a relatively large number of candidates with the appropriate qualifications.

Skill needs required:

Purchasers select suppliers of materials, semi-finished goods, machinery and tools, packaging and other inputs in manufacturing. They must be able to ensure the quality and reliability of supplies at the lowest possible price. Purchasers have a major impact on business profitability and they are responsible for minimising input costs. They should have a relatively broad technical knowledge depending on their position (ranging from ordinary purchasers to sourcing managers). As a result of the continuing trend towards outsourcing, purchasers in some companies will become managers of the supply network. This means that instead of purchasing raw materials and tools they will buy semi-finished products and sub-systems? . Part of the risk related to the price, availability of materials, the quality of manufacturing basic components and the management of manufacturing operations will therefore be handed over to suppliers. As a result of the fact that suppliers tend to specialise in specific commodities and logistics tend to become increasingly efficient, it will be possible to cooperate with more remote suppliers. Purchasers will also communicate with foreign suppliers and good language skills and cultural awareness will therefore be a must.

Summary of present and future requirements:

	ICT	Sales, marketing, law		Processes, management, organization		Soft skills
Current relevancy of skills
Future relevancy of skills

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