Working as a tactical buyer

A tactical buyer usually works in the purchasing or supply departments of companies, non-profit organisations and government agencies. Usually, as a tactical buyer, you work within a large organisation as small companies often have one all-round buyer.

As a buyer, you are responsible for planning and executing the procurement process of goods and services, with a focus on cost savings. Tactical buyers may further be responsible for negotiating contracts and managing relationships with suppliers.

A typical working day for you as a tactical buyer consists mainly of market research, communication with suppliers and price negotiations. For example, the day starts with researching the important developments in the market to identify the best suppliers and compare prices. You then contact suppliers to get quotes and negotiate prices. You will also analyse previous contracts and monitor the performance of existing suppliers.

In addition, you will be involved in analysing data such as customer reviews or supplier ratings to ensure quality standards are met. Finally, you will communicate with internal departments to discuss budget requirements, delivery dates and product specifications. As a tactical buyer, you must have excellent negotiation skills, be able to think at a tactical level and communicate well to perform your duties effectively.

A tactical buyer you will need to have several skills. Personal development is important to keep expanding your experience as a buyer. Below, we have outlined some key skills that will help in the field of procurement.

Analytical skills;
Effective communication is a valuable skill;
Capacity to negotiate;
Being able to work strongly within a team;
Ability to think strategically;
Ability to solve problems;
Understanding of procurement processes and current developments;
Capable of working in a rapidly changing environment;

At Xentys, we are happy to discuss your current skills and those you would like to develop further. Based on current knowledge, we will look for a suitable client in consultation. Contact us directly and discuss the possibilities.

As a tactical buyer, you want to get the best out of yourself and continue to develop yourself. However, it can be difficult to make the right career moves and find the necessary training courses that enhance your skills and knowledge.

Xentys understands the challenges you face as a tactical buyer. Therefore, in this paragraph, we want to discuss some key points that can help you build a successful procurement career. Whether it’s taking specific training, developing skills or finding the right career opportunities, Xentys is here to guide you on your procurement career.

Training requirements for tactical buyers

For a career as a tactical buyer, many organisations require a degree related to procurement. For example, many organisations require a WO or HBO degree in a relevant field of study such as business administration, economics or procurement and supply chain management. In addition, one year of experience in the tactical procurement sector or related positions is often required.

It is important to keep abreast of trends and developments in the profession. Training programmes and courses are available to update knowledge and skills, while certifications such as CPSM can further enhance job opportunities. Personal skills such as analytical ability, communication, negotiation and collaboration are also crucial. With the right training and skills, success can be achieved as a tactical buyer.

Do you have questions about the opportunities available to you? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you find the best-suited job.

As a tactical buyer, there are numerous career and advancement opportunities within companies’ procurement and supply chain departments. As you gain more experience as a tactical buyer, you can progress to senior procurement roles such as Category Manager, Contract Manager or Procurement Manager. These roles require a more strategic approach to procurement. Here, you will be responsible for developing procurement strategies and leading high-level procurement projects.

Other career opportunities include working in international organisations and working as a consultant, advising companies on their procurement strategies. By developing your skills and knowledge, building a wide network and constantly striving to improve, you can build a successful and rewarding career as a tactical buyer. Invest in yourself and take advantage of the many career and advancement opportunities available in the procurement and supply chain sector.

As a tactical buyer, there are numerous ways you can further broaden your knowledge and skills. By constantly teaching yourself new things and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field, you can continue to add value to your organisation.

Tactical procurement training and education can be taken through various institutes, which offer courses from beginner to advanced level. These courses are useful to develop new skills or consolidate existing knowledge.
Joining a purchasing or trade association can help you stay in touch with other buyers. Furthermore, you can also learn more about the sector by attending events and seminars.
By specialising in certain parts of the procurement process, such as contract negotiations or supplier management, you can add value and differentiate yourself from other buyers.

So as a tactical buyer, you will have many different opportunities to further develop your knowledge and skills. As a result, you will definitely add value to an organisation and increase their competence. Taking advantage of some of these opportunities will set you apart as a successful buyer. We are always looking for tatic buyers with an active mindset and, thanks to our expertise, we provide new challenges and opportunities. Feel free to contact us with any questions or additional information.