A materials manager, also known as a purchasing manager, is responsible for planning, directing or coordinating the process of buying materials, products and services. In many respects he is a jack-of-all-trades. In addition to the usual supervisory skills expected of senior managers, materials managers must create the deals that keep materials flowing into the factory so that products can continue to flow out of the factory. They might procure everything from the soft drinks in the staff lounge to the multimillion-dollar machinery used to manufacture products.
Materials managers participate in the development of the solicitations and requests for proposals for equipment and materials. They develop the contract management instructions and procedures for acquiring a company’s supplies, from paper clips to heavy equipment. They implement the company purchasing policies and often assist in purchasing policy preparation. In addition to these duties, materials managers work with human resources personnel to interview, hire and train materials or purchasing department staff members.
As new or additional equipment or supplies become necessary, materials managers work with plant engineers and production supervisors to develop specifications for the needed supplies or equipment. They locate vendors that can provide the supplies, machinery or other equipment in a timely manner, with favorable terms of sale. When a materials manager selects a vendor, she negotiates the contract with the vendor and establishes the procedures that affect the company’s contract with the vendor.
A materials manager reviews and processes the requisitions for materials the company acquires. These include records of the goods, materials, supplies and services received, as well as any other information or documentation required by law, regulation or policy. She maintains purchase histories on the vendors and reviews and analyzes vendor performance periodically to assess the vendor’s suitability and the availability of supplies over time.
A company’s supply needs can easily outstrip the ability of one person to handle the load. In these cases, the materials manager manages a department staff, in addition to the details of purchasing and procurement. In this function, a materials manager directs the department’s staff activities. These management details can range from locating vendors who supply unusual or obscure parts to maintaining contact with vendors and preparing and delivering purchase orders. Like all other managers, the materials manager must also settle the inevitable problems, complaints and grievances related to contractors, vendors and staff.
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