Sourcing and buying goods and services at the best possible prices and quality for an organization. Key duties include researching and evaluating vendors, negotiating contracts, monitoring inventory and deliveries, and maintaining relationships with suppliers. They also ensure purchases align with company goals, manage purchasing records, and collaborate with other departments like finance and logistics. 

Key responsibilities

• Vendor and supplier management: Researching new suppliers, evaluating their offers, and negotiating contracts and prices.
• Procurement and ordering: Placing purchase orders, tracking orders from placement to delivery, and verifying that all goods are received correctly.
• Quality control: Inspecting products to ensure they meet quality standards and reporting any faulty items.
• Inventory management: Monitoring stock levels and reordering supplies as needed to maintain adequate levels.
• Record keeping: Maintaining accurate records of all orders, invoices, deliveries, and payments.
• Financial management: Working within set budgets, preparing cost analyses, and collaborating with the finance team on invoices.
• Collaboration: Working with other departments like production, logistics, and finance to ensure purchasing needs are met.
• Market research: Keeping up-to-date on market trends, potential opportunities, and cost-saving measures.