Tactical buyer
Find tactical procurement vacancies in industry and engineering
Tactical procurement functions
industry manufacturing high tech
What is meant by a tactical procurement function varies from company to company. Sometimes this position deals with the smaller suppliers/subcontractors (the C and D suppliers), or is more focused on supplier management, or deals with procurement on behalf of production (as opposed to supervising tenders or procurement on behalf of New product development).
An important feature in this position is that strategy development usually does not play a role.
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Working as a tactical buyer
A good tactical buyer is an effective negotiator and has communication skills, ensuring that the best suppliers are selected and contracted and that the best deals are struck. And thus contributes to the profitability of the organization.
Tactical buyers have a thorough knowledge of the supply market for the products or services for which they are responsible. They work closely with internal departments such as production, logistics and finance. And are always consciously looking for ways to improve quality, minimize risk and increase efficiency.
Information about working as a tactical buyer
Where does a tactical buyer work?
A tactical buyer usually works in the purchasing or supply departments of corporations, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Usually you will be working as a tactical buyer within a large organization since small companies often have one all-round buyer.
As a procurement officer, you will be responsible for planning and executing the procurement process of goods and services, with an emphasis on cost savings. Tactical buyers may further be responsible for negotiating contracts and managing relationships with suppliers.
What does the working day of a tactical buyer look like?
A typical workday for you as a tactical buyer consists primarily of market research, communication with suppliers and price negotiations. For example, the day begins 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 also analyze previous contracts and monitor the performance of existing suppliers.
In addition, you will be involved in the analysis of data such as customer reviews or supplier ratings to ensure that quality standards are met. Finally, 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 on a tactical level and communicate well to perform your duties effectively.
The skills needed to be an effective tactical buyer
A tactical buyer you will need to have several skills. Personal development is important to continue to expand your experience as a buyer. Below we have outlined some key skills that will help in the area of procurement.
- Analytical skills;
- Effective communication is a valuable skill;
- Capacity to negotiate;
- Strong ability to work together within a team;
- Be able to think strategically;
- The ability to solve problems;
- Understanding procurement processes and current developments;
- Capable of working in a rapidly changing environment;
At Xentys, we are happy to discuss your current skills and the skills you would like to develop further. Based on current knowledge, we will search for a suitable client in consultation. Contact us directly and discuss your options.
Education and careers
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 training needed to improve 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 purchasing career. Whether it’s pursuing specific training, developing skills or finding the right career opportunities, Xentys is here to guide you on your purchasing career path.
Training requirements for tactical buyers
For a career as a tactical buyer, many organizations require a degree related to procurement. For example, many organizations require a WO or HBO degree in a relevant field such as business administration, economics or purchasing and supply chain management. In addition, one year of experience in tactical procurement or related positions is often required.
It is important to keep abreast of trends and developments in the profession. Training programs 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 your options? Do not hesitate to contact us then. We are happy to help you find the best-suited job.
Career and advancement opportunities
As a tactical buyer, there are numerous career and advancement opportunities within corporate purchasing and supply chain departments. As you gain more experience as a tactical buyer, you can advance to senior purchasing positions, such as Category Manager, Contract Manager or Procurement Manager. These roles require a more strategic approach to procurement. In doing so, you will be responsible for developing procurement strategies and leading high-level procurement projects.
Other career opportunities include working in international organizations and working as a consultant, advising companies on their purchasing strategies. By developing your skills and knowledge, building a broad 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 industry.
Opportunities for further study
As a tactical buyer, there are numerous ways you can 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 organization.
- Tactical procurement training and education can be taken through various institutes, which offer courses from beginner to advanced levels. These courses are useful for developing new skills or consolidating existing knowledge.
- Joining a buying or trade association can help you stay in touch with other buyers. Furthermore, you can also learn more about the industry by attending events and seminars.
- By specializing 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 have many different opportunities to further develop your knowledge and skills. As a result, you will absolutely add value to an organization and increase their competence. Taking advantage of some of these opportunities will set you apart as a successful buyer. We are always looking for tactical buyers with an active mindset, and thanks to our expertise we provide new challenges and opportunities. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or additional information.
How does an open application work at xentys?
Submitting an open application will keep you informed of our current job openings and allow us to band you when we have a suitable position for you.
How to get started?
1.
First, make sure your resume succinctly reflects all your relevant skills, qualifications and experience.
2.
Then submit the open application to us using the form to the right. You may then receive a call from one of our recruitment specialists.
3.
Above all, remain patient, because finding the appropriate job opening may take some time.
4.
At xentys, we want to inform you about the job opening that suits you.
What an open application at xentys can bring you
Would you like to receive customized procurement job openings or would you prefer to see a general overview of all job openings? At xentys, we provide an individualized approach. We organize an interview with one of our specialists to get a good picture of your abilities, qualifications and preferences before we introduce you to an employer or client.
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