Skills in purchasing goods and product

Purchasing Managers are an integral part of any management team, and responsible for many aspects that affect the smooth running of daily food service operations.

In particular, food service operations rely heavily on the expertise of qualified and competent Purchasing Managers in order to find suitable ingredients and supplies at a good price

Leading Purchasing Managers are responsible for buying the best quality ingredients, equipment, goods and services for the food operation, at the most competitive prices, in order to sustain and improve the company profits.

Should be coupled with excellent communication skills, Purchasing managers Should be coupled with excellent communication skills, analytical skills, financial acumen commercial awareness

Purchasing Managers also need to be able to: . negotiate well, network and connect with suppliers and industry professionals, and make decisions under pressure.

Purchasing departments are at the centre of successful supply chain management.

Skills and qualifications for Purchasing Managers A solid hospitality qualification which includes Purchasing Management is essential for this job role, as well as plenty of work experience in the food service industry

Important reminders in purchasing goods and products

Make an inventory of the available ingredients and supplies in your storage. Classify your needs from supplier into consumable and non-consumable, either wet or dry goods. This step will help you from over tripping to the market. Know the sources of wholesale buying. Cooking gas should be brought separately from basic items, as their item could be ordered by phone as scheduled. It is suggested that a standby/reserved container be made available if needed.

Find out if your cold storage equipment are in good condition to be sure that the purchased perishable goods will not be spoiled. Buy supplies of fruits and vegetables which are in season. Plan for sufficient food to last until the next buying activity

Read label to find out what you need. Buy quality food for specific requirement. Buy only the food needed that can be stored and used within a safe period of time. Buy and use food when cost and time warrant their use.

Assessment: quiz MODIFIED TRUE OR FALSE Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct; FALSE if it is not correct. Then , change the underlined word/s to make the statement correct.   ________1. Purchasing is the process of buying the right amount of food at the right time and at the right price. ________2. Food cannot easily be contaminated during purchasing, receiving, storing, preparing and serving of foods and supplies. ________3. Securing the pre-established standards for quantity and quality is the major goal of planning activity. ________4. Conducting market research is the first step in purchasing activity. ________5. Buying from the right source means that the buyer should go to a reputable and reliable source.