J2’s team of purchasing experts is called upon to carry out a variety of mandates and assignments for our different customers, who operate in a wide range of sectors. The duration and nature of these contracts will vary according to the needs to be met within the existing structure.
Despite the adaptable parameters that define our various engagements, one constant can be identified in almost all our cases: the positive impact that a competent purchasing resource will have on the performance of the organization to which we are invited to contribute.
If you’re among those who consider the purchasing department to be an expense rather than an investment, we’ll be happy to demonstrate the opposite. In fact, strategic use of the purchasing department can turn it into a source of savings and business opportunities.
Defining competence
The qualities and skills that make someone an expert in purchasing and procurement are a happy blend of what we call “soft skills” and “hard skills”.
In short, while hard skills are more technical in nature, soft skills refer more to interpersonal skills. Both are essential to the profile of a purchasing specialist who will stand out from the crowd.
Knowledge required
Obviously, mastering the notions, concepts and technical knowledge that underpin the purchasing and supply function is a must! A qualified purchasing and procurement specialist will not only be able to identify and obtain from colleagues the data they may be in need of, but will also be able to make the data they are presented with speak for itself in terms of optimization.
A purchasing professional’s ability to define real needs will be invaluable. This person will be able to ask the right questions, get the right information from the right contacts, ensure that real needs are met by purchasing the right items, and find the best supplier with the best possible price.
Successful purchasing specialists don’t hesitate to validate, question and suggest. It’s part of their job! This time spent evaluating and planning upstream will ultimately make the purchasing process more productive.
Cast a wide net and see far ahead
Alert and switched-on purchasing specialists will be able to optimize their working time through their efficiency and overview. Their professional reflexes include using or developing the tools needed to obtain a global view of the needs of the various departments to be supplied within a company.
In this way, they can avoid placing too many orders when a single consolidated order would suffice, or develop harmonious business relationships with a handful of trusted suppliers rather than wasting energy on twenty or so contacts.
Soft skills are essential!
Finally, we can’t overlook the fact that a strong network of contacts can be a major asset for a purchasing expert. Interpersonal skills, or soft skills, are therefore central to the profile of a competent purchasing resource. A person who is open-minded and curious, with impeccable customer relations and an adaptable, flexible approach, will create long-lasting, pleasant working relationships that he or she will take with him or her wherever he or she chooses to get involved.
The benefits of having a competent resource? There’s a complex mechanism behind the purchasing function. Those who see their buyers as executors who simply place a few purchase orders from time to time are mistaken. When purchasing is recognized and managed by a qualified resource with a broad understanding and a strategic approach, the whole operational side of an organization can benefit.
Here are just a few of the benefits our customers have noted following the passage of a member of our J2 team through their organization :
- – The J2 resource provided previously unmatched stability in the company’s purchasing function.
- – This purchasing stability has enabled us to establish and maintain better supplier relationships, while improving existing ones. Frequent changes in purchasing staff can be destabilizing or irritating for suppliers and customers.
- – The organization has gained in productivity. Strategic actions by purchasing resources save time and energy.
- – Savings, savings, savings! And financial savings this time! Our purchasing specialists were able to negotiate better prices, take advantage of the volume effect on orders, use their networks to validate that the price obtained was the best possible, etc.!
At the end of the day
It’s a deep conviction we hold at J2 that having the “right person in the right chair” in purchasing and procurement can make all the difference!
Contact us to find out what difference a J2 resource could make to your organization!
Do you have a question?
If you would like more information, feel free to contact us for more details.
