Purchasing Managers

To this point I would say yes. I know that IBM’s big market mainstay is software. When I was purchasing for them, they were still making hard-drives and other internal computer components. I am not sure if they are still manufacturing these items. They will have a procurement department either wa...

The most likely path is the transfer to Sourcing (notice that different company has different position titles).

You will have full ownership over your work as a purchaser at IBM. Maybe not so much on the budget they give you but as long as you are meeting the demand needs and you do not have huge low turning assets (inventory) you will be able to manage your workday the way you need to for a successful dep...

You need to be organized. Many times you will have many requests or a need to reorder product at the same time. It is important to be organized and prioritize you customer’s needs. In a purchasing mindset always view your demand as a customer. Even if you work for the same organization (they) are...

When it comes to Finance, I took it up precisely because I was bad at it. Operations, Economics and Supply Chain came much more naturally to me, and so I made a decision to spend more time learning the subject matter that didn't. I also knew that a strong foundation in Finance would give me a b...

I have a certain amount of responsibility, in that I am always trying to find savings/cost reductions and I have the ability to approve POs and other contracts that are worth a certain amount. I help to create purchasing strategies that will benefit the company most within current market conditi...

The compensation will vary based my your location and experience. Government Property has different tiers that are not easy to obtain. If you are willing to relocate for your career then this would be a good path. I'm not for sure how much information I can share about this subject, but it provid...

When it comes to Finance, I took it up precisely because I was bad at it. Operations, Economics and Supply Chain came much more naturally to me, and so I made a decision to spend more time learning the subject matter that didn't. I also knew that a strong foundation in Finance would give me a b...

Interviews are usually based on soft skills as much of the technical skills are not taught in university. You will be an interesting candidate If you have an understanding of the FAR/DFAR. A willingness to learn and interest in the “larger picture” are typical things sought in a contracts profess...

Work life balance varies depending on what department you work in. It does exist in 8 months out of the year. These months are known as non-quarter end months. In this period, employees work an 8-5, Monday – Friday schedule. During these months you are free to request as much time off as you’d li...