• Planning, directing and coordinating supply, storage and distribution activities of the enterprise or organization.



• Negotiating purchase contracts, agreeing to a suitable price with suppliers and ensuring the quality of the goods purchased.



• Planning and installing systems for inventory control.



• Controlling expenditure and ensuring the efficient use of resources.



• Establishing and directing operational and administrative procedures.



• Planning and directing the daily activities of the company and staff.



• Representing the department in its dealings with other parts of the organization or with outside bodies.

Requirements

Secondary Education
A HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to be admitted to South African universities. A HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is needed for enrolment at a South Africantechnikon.

UNAM requires a HIGCSE or IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in five subjects and a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale.

For studies at the Polytechnic of Namibia, candidates must have at least passed five subjects on HIGCSE/IGCSE level and have obtained a minimum score of 25 points on the Polytechnic’s point evaluation scale.

Compulsory subject
Mathematics (South Africa)

Recommended subjects
Business Studies, Computer Studies, Accountancy, Economics(South Africa)

Tertiary Education
A B. Com. degree with Business Economics and/or Financial Accounting as a subject can be followed at UNAM, and most South African universities.
A N. Dip.: Purchasing Management extending over three years can be followed at certain South African technikons, like Witwatersrand and Pretoria. The Polytechnic of Namibia also offers some relevant qualifications (e.g. the N. Dip.: Commerce).

Personality
The prospective candidate should be honest, willing to take risks, have good judgment and organizational skills and initiative.

Work Opportunities
Purchasing managers can be employed by most retail organizations or industries, private organizations, the city council, manufacturing firms and the civil service.

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