Purchasing and inventory control workers are vital to the supply chain management process, responsible for ensuring that organizations maintain optimal inventory levels and procure the necessary materials and supplies. Their roles can be divided into two main categories: purchasing control workers and inventory control workers.
Purchasing Control Workers:
- Process purchasing transactions and maintain accurate records of purchases.
- Review requisition orders for accuracy and check current inventories to ensure materials are available.
- Source price estimates from suppliers, prepare purchase orders, and manage supplier relationships.
- Contact suppliers to schedule deliveries and resolve issues related to shortages or missed deliveries.
- Maintain purchasing files, reports, and price lists.
Inventory Control Workers:
- Monitor inventory levels using manual or computerized systems to track stock movements.
- Compile inventory reports detailing the quantity, type, and value of materials on hand.
- Prepare requisition orders to replenish stock and ensure proper stock rotation.
- Conduct regular audits to reconcile physical inventories with recorded counts.
- Manage the disposal of outdated stock and maintain accurate inventory records.
The work environment is typically structured, often in office settings or warehouses. While many workers are employed full-time, the nature of the job may require flexibility in hours during peak periods.
How to Become Purchasing and inventory control workers -
To become a purchasing and inventory control worker in India, follow these steps:
- Educational Background: A high school diploma is generally required. Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field.
- Skills Development:
- Analytical Skills: Develop strong analytical abilities to assess supplier performance and inventory data.
- Negotiation Skills: Learn effective negotiation techniques to secure favorable terms with suppliers.
- Technical Proficiency: Gain experience with inventory management software and data entry systems.
- Gain Experience: Start in entry-level positions such as inventory clerk or purchasing assistant to gain practical experience in procurement processes.
- Certifications (Optional): Consider obtaining certifications in supply chain management or procurement (e.g., Certified Supply Chain Professional) to enhance your qualifications.
- Networking: Join professional organizations related to supply chain management to build connections within the industry.
- Career Advancement: With experience, pursue roles such as purchasing manager or inventory manager by demonstrating leadership capabilities and strategic thinking.
The demand for purchasing and inventory control workers is expected to grow as organizations increasingly focus on efficient supply chain management practices.
Salary Expectations:
- Entry-Level: Starting salaries range from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per month for fresh graduates or those entering the field.
- Mid-Level: With 3-5 years of experience, salaries can increase to ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per month.
- Senior Roles: Experienced professionals in managerial positions can earn between ₹70,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month or more depending on the organization’s size and complexity of operations.
Career Progression:
- Entry-level positions can lead to supervisory roles such as purchasing agent or inventory manager within 5-7 years.
- Further advancement may include titles like supply chain director or operations manager overseeing broader logistics functions.
Industry Trends:
- The growth of e-commerce is driving demand for skilled professionals in purchasing and inventory control as companies seek efficient ways to manage their supply chains.
- The increasing emphasis on sustainability is prompting organizations to adopt greener procurement practices, creating new opportunities within this field.
According to projections from labor market studies, employment opportunities for purchasing managers and agents are expected to grow by about 7% over the next decade due to ongoing changes in consumer behavior and supply chain dynamics.
Citations:
[1] https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/purchasing-and-inventory-control-workers
[2] https://www.adaface.com/blog/skills-required-for-purchasing-officer/
[3] https://www.coursera.org/articles/inventory-control-analyst
[4] https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/NocProfile?objectid=ukIBbtIWk1A9y6VUIpiU4%2B%2F997LpH8MWh2QmiCrsmWo%3D
[5] https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-skills-needed-become-inventory-control-is55e
[6] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-inventory-controller-do
[7] https://www.gov.nl.ca/labourmarketinformation/career/purchasing-and-inventory-control-workers/
[8] https://inventorycontroller.org/career-path-of-inventory-controllers-opportunities-and-advancement
[9] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/inventory-controller-skills
[10] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/purchasing-managers-buyers-and-purchasing-agents.htm
[11] https://lsc-india.com/qp_files/English PH - Inventory Clerk - V3.pdf
[12] https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/inventory-controller-skills
[13] https://www.shrm.org/in/topics-tools/tools/job-descriptions/purchasing-inventory-control-manager
[14] https://www.gov.nl.ca/labourmarketinformation/career/purchasing-and-inventory-control-workers/
[15] https://scmtalent.com/strategic-sourcing-procurement-career-paths
[16] https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Oasis/ViewOccupationalProfile?objectid=aiyZqZkf4mOmfoBiEMfouctEe9mv3GuE36uLHAP7IyQ%3D
[17] https://www.tealhq.com/skills/inventory-manager
[18] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/inventory-controller-skills
[19] https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/purchasing-and-inventory-control-workers
[20] https://www.saintleo.edu/sites/default/files/2024-05/2024-Logistics-Salary-Report.pdf