Procurement Manager Pathways Revealed: Your Guide into Switzerland's Procurement Manager Job Market

This job series is part of all Purchasing/Procurement jobs in Switzerland series, check our other focus on the blog

What are the tasks and responsibilities of a Procurement Manager?

As a Procurement Manager, you’re the savvy captain of the company's supply chain ship! Your mission: steer the procurement strategy, keep supplier relationships, and ensure the organization's purchasing sails smoothly.

Imagine yourself as a treasure hunter, scouting for the best suppliers, haggling like a pro for top-notch deals that fit the budget, and making sure every purchase is gold-standard. You're also a bit of a fortune teller, keeping an eye on market trends and dodging any supply chain icebergs on the horizon.

Leading your crew of procurement pros, you're the go-to guide for advice and strategy. You'll keep a meticulous logbook of all purchases and crunch those numbers to keep the company's treasure chest full.

What to expect in Procurement Management?

On a more serious note, you will oversee the purchasing of products and services for the company, ensuring that all procurement activities align with the organization's goals and business needs. 

Your role will involve identifying potential supplier sources, negotiating contracts, managing relationships with suppliers, and evaluating their performance.

You'll also be expected to analyze market trends and apply this knowledge to make insightful buying decisions. You'll need to have excellent negotiation skills as well as a keen eye for detail to ensure that products and services are of the right quality and price. Additionally, you'll be in charge of managing a team, so leadership skills are essential. In terms of compliance, you'll ensure that all procurement activities adhere to relevant laws and regulations. You'll also work closely with other departments, such as finance and logistics, to streamline processes and reduce costs. 

What are the myths about Procurement Management?

We're called Mythbusters moonwork for a reason. Here are the best procurement management ones debunked:

1. Myth: Procurement Managers Only Focus on Cost Reduction - While cost reduction is a significant part of a procurement manager's role, it's not the only focus. They also work on improving supplier relationships, ensuring quality control, managing risks, and implementing sustainable practices.

2. Myth: Procurement Managers Work in Isolation - In reality, procurement managers often work closely with other departments such as finance, operations and logistics to ensure smooth functioning of the supply chain process. They are integral to cross-functional teams, and their decisions impact.

3. Myth: Primarily Focused on Traditional Markets: Truth: Swiss procurement managers often deal with a global supply chain, requiring a broad understanding of international markets and trends, not just local ones. This global perspective is crucial for effective procurement strategies in Switzerland's diverse and internationally-connected economy.

What are the competencies required for a Procurement Manager?

1. Supplier Management and Strategic Sourcing: This is number one! Identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing ongoing supplier relationships are essential for a Procurement Manager, ensuring they align with the company's standards and strategic goals.
2. Financial Knowledge and Cost Management: A strong understanding of budgeting, cost analysis, and financial management to optimize procurement spending and contribute to the company's overall financial performance, this includes managing budgets, cost analysis, and forecasting. 
3. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Knowledge of Swiss and international procurement regulations and the ability to assess and mitigate risks in the procurement process, ensuring legal compliance and operational efficiency.

Honorable mentioning:

4. Leadership and Team Management: The ability to lead a team effectively, delegate tasks appropriately, and foster a productive working environment is essential for this role.

What qualities are required for a Procurement Manager?

1. Negotiation and Supplier Relationship Management: Procurement Managers need to secure favourable terms and maintain productive partnerships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to maintain quality of goods, timely delivery, and compliance with contractual obligations
2. Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills: Precision in managing procurement processes, contracts, and compliance issues, along with excellent organizational skills to handle multiple projects and priorities efficiently.
3. Strategic Planning and Analysis: A Procurement Manager should have the ability to develop and implement effective procurement strategies. This role also requires the ability to analyze market trends and assess risk, supplier performance, product value, and internal demand to make informed procurement decisions.

What is the future of Procurement Management?

The role will likely become more strategic with the ongoing advancements in technology and changes in business practices. The focus on building strong relationships with suppliers and partners, managing risks, and driving innovation will increase. Procurement Managers will need to leverage data analytics to make informed decisions and optimize procurement processes. 

Switzerland has a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Factors like sustainability and ethical sourcing will become increasingly important in procurement strategies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies are expected to take over routine tasks, allowing Procurement Managers to focus on more complex tasks that require human judgment. This means that they will need strong analytical skills, as well as the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies. 

Expansion and integration of global supply chains will require procurement managers to navigate international sourcing, manage risks, and maintain compliance with global standards and regulations.

How to best start a career as a Procurement Manager?

When choosing a certification in the supply chain field, opt for one with broad recognition. The big names here are ASCM, ISM, and CIPS, each offering certifications that cater to various career stages and focuses:

1. ASCM's Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM): Perfect if you're starting out and want to deep-dive into manufacturing and operations knowledge.
2. ASCM's Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): Ideal for a comprehensive overview, great for those eyeing a broad career in supply chain management.
3. ISM's Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM): The go-to certification for procurement, acknowledged as the benchmark in the field.
4. CIPS's MCIPS: A close cousin to the CPSM but hailing from the UK, the MCIPS enjoys wider recognition across Europe.

The value of these certifications can vary though. It really comes down to you, your career aspirations, and how much your employer values these qualifications.

How to find the best Procurement Management jobs that suit you?

When looking online, use keywords such as "Junior Procurement Manager," "Procurement Associate," or "Assistant Procurement Manager" to narrow down your search. 

Read the requirements carefully, and tailor your resume for each application to highlight competencies that meet the company's specific needs.

Pro tip: Consider recording a video application with moonwork to differentiate yourself from other candidates, showcasing your procurement expertise and communication skills.

Lastly, engage with professionals in the procurement field through networking events. Check out the Swiss Trade Association for Purchasing and Supply (procure.ch), they offer events and training in all major Swiss cities and regions.