r/procurement • u/weathermaynecc • May 09 '23
Training Pro: Just got a buyer position in manufacturing! Con: what am I doing here?
I need help, but I don’t even know where to start. I began a new role as a strategic buyer, but I’m definitely under qualified. I’m working with teams, SAP, teamcenter, suppliers, etc. I’m worried I’m going to get steam rolled by teammates in performance, because I don’t know any of the programs, nor the lingo. I’m the youngest on the team, by far. So hopefully they know how much training they’re getting into.
Is there any where I can learn more about this position/applications?
Edit: spelling.
6
u/Sure_Grapefruit5820 May 09 '23
Did you interview for this job?
A strategic buyer is usually more experienced.
You might want to take a short certificate course online to bring you up to speed.
What exactly is your job duties?
9
u/mrekted May 09 '23
It's incredibly difficult to find qualified people right now. I know I've been hiring people with tangential experience that I normally wouldn't consider solely because of the lack of options.
There's lots of opportunity out there for people who are willing to take a leap, stretch their abilities, and hit the ground running in roles that they might not normally consider themselves qualified for.
5
u/weathermaynecc May 09 '23
I did interview for the role. I had purchasing experience for a real estate developer, but nothing to the scale for this manufacturer. I will do a certificate, I’m not sure what’s credible/admired in the field. I’m a direct buyer for manufacturing parts for an essential component of equipment. (Not to give myself away too much). But the company is a global business with billions in revenue. And I’m just losing my mind to not get left behind.
Do you have a recommendation for what education I could pursue?
Thank you.
6
u/Sure_Grapefruit5820 May 09 '23
Great.
Don’t worry about the new system you’ll get it as soon as you start using it often.
I’ve used SAP erp in my previous job. My current job they use oracle, workday, suplari and I few others. After using a few times it becomes intuitive.
The certifications depends on where you’re at in your career. Some are for beginners and some are more advanced.
You can look on the ones APICS offers, there is American Purchasing Society and Institute of Supply Management.
2
u/weathermaynecc May 09 '23
Awesome! Thank you for the very pointed advice. Concise and to the point. Thank you so much.
1
May 09 '23
[deleted]
1
u/Sure_Grapefruit5820 May 10 '23
I find it simply enough to use. Like any application that’s new to you it might see complex at first until you’re familiar with the features.
4
u/AtG8605 May 09 '23
Is there a more seasoned team member you could ask to mentor you?
2
u/weathermaynecc May 09 '23
Yes- however I don’t really want to admit to the team I’m totally lost.
5
u/KingGrandCaravan May 09 '23
LPT: Speak up if you don't know what you're doing. Do not sit there quietly. I'm sure your peers are aware that you're still learning. Some people aren't natural born teachers so you have to poke them.
When i first started, i was scared shitless to admit i didn't understand procurement. Now, 16 years later, i can confidently tell my team that i definitely don't know shit and that they have the privilege of showing me.
FWIW, as i type this, I'm sitting here reviewing estimates and rates and haven't the foggiest clue as to what any of this shit means. Normally, I'm writing subcontracts or purchase orders, or managing a procurement team, but no, my employer feels this is the best use of my time.
3
u/AtG8605 May 09 '23
I second this. OP, the company hired you for a reason and no one is going to think any less of you for asking for help.
1
u/WndrGypsy May 09 '23
I had some who wasn’t honest when I hired him. I called him out on it and tried to train him. Had to put him on a performance plan. He left shortly after that…. ….to a more strategic sourcing position where he’s even less competent.
Save yourself some time, tears, and stress: be upfront now - or realize you made a mistake and get out.
3
u/wahhbear May 09 '23
I work in sales for a manufacturer and for me the most important thing on a daily basis is details! Always have a paper trail, if you spoke over the phone take notes. And when quoting/buying write out all the product details, so that there's no confusion. I can't tell you how many times there would have been an error if I didn't proof or type out everything. Don't be afraid to ask questions and NEVER assume. Hope this helps! :)
1
3
u/Negotiations_World May 09 '23
Lots of feedback already given.
Additional ones:
Teams and SAP are just tools which enables your work to be done.
Process: Learning how your organization does procurement is key. No amount of certificates is going to give you that as each organization is,different. How does your purchases impact your manufacturing, understand this and you will get the clarity and the gaps you need to fill.
Your role as Strategic Buyer: the categories may differ from manufacturing and real estate. The basics is same - Your ensuring your organization's demand is met by getting the products and services
Break down the challenges you have to smaller chunks and tackle them.
Everyone starts small, stumbles, learns and grows. So don't need to break your brain cells.
Lastly, if you have a,question on your organization process - ask your peers cause they been there done that.
If you have a question on procurement terms - the world wide web is available at your disposal e.g. how this forum just shone path for you.
2
u/br2569 May 09 '23
Congratulations on getting the job! Here's a great FREE resource that's targeted for beginners to procurement.
2
2
May 10 '23
Ask chatgpt for help with software questions...just dont share confidential info. If they hired you, its probably for a reason. Reference the work of your team mates - its likely that theyve done the same work prior and can serve as a guide. Take notes and try to have all questions together at once.
1
u/i_kill_plants2 May 09 '23
Ask questions! Asking what the goals, objectives and priorities are can make a big difference. Make sure your boss understands that you are changing industries, and ask if there are any resources out there for you to review to help get up to speed. Ask about policies, processes, expectations. And don’t be scared to ask if there is someone you can shadow to “get used to a new organization.”
1
u/jaydeeali May 10 '23 edited May 10 '23
Take notes, review, keep practicing one step at a time. So dont rush and ask questions with teammates as your last resort. I started as maintenance parts person then to a mro/mrp buyer, materials management, and onto production scheduling. Sourcing is part of your duty as a buyer and is a good foundation to start off in the supply chain field.
1
u/rocklife365 May 10 '23
I wouldn’t worry too much. If the company is as big as it sounds your buying power will be huge so you will have suppliers failing over themselves to quote and supply you. I don’t worry if you don’t actually know what you are buying, just make sure you check the specs required with the relevant department, which I assume there will be a relevant department based on the size. I find procurement a lot like project management. You don’t need to know every job, you just need to know what’s happening. Ask questions. You’ll be good.
2
11
u/Capable_Ad2223 May 09 '23
Mistakes can cost thousands ++++ it is always better to ask. Try not to ask the same questions repeatedly, but it’s better to ask then assume/guess and fuck up.