On the look out for sporting goods

A Purchase Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the purchasing of goods and services for a company.

In the outdoor goods industry, the Purchase Manager is tasked with finding the best possible suppliers for their company’s needs, negotiating competitive prices, and ensuring the quality of the goods and services purchased from those suppliers. Although it might seem quite straight forward, with an ever-changing industry that encompasses trends, competition, and fluctuating prices, the job of a Purchase Manager in the outdoor goods industry is challenging. And it's becoming even more so, as the outdoor industry has seen significant growth since COVID-19 from consumer behavioural changes. 

What to look out for

One of the pain points that Purchase Managers in the outdoor goods industry often face is the pressure to keep prices low while maintaining service quality. In an industry where the competition is ever-present, a Purchase Manager must find the best possible suppliers and negotiate the best prices for their company’s needs. Furthermore, it is critical for Purchasers to ensure the quality of the goods purchased from those suppliers. 

Another challenge that Purchase Managers must overcome is the difficulty of maintaining quality control of products. Goods and services purchased from suppliers must meet the standard of quality and sometimes legal obligations that the company needs or trendsetters in the industry have established. This is increasingly challenging in an age where technology and trends are constantly changing. 

Lastly, competition from both small and large companies in the outdoor goods industry is another pain point for Purchase Managers. With competition, comes the need to constantly stay on top of the latest and greatest in the industry, making sure their company is offering the best quality goods and services at the lowest price. 

Staying ahead

In order to successfully manage the pain points discussed previously, Purchase Managers must stay up to date with the latest industry trends and technology. This will ensure that the company is staying ahead of the competition in terms of the quality,  and prices to assortment range. 

Moreover, it is essential for Purchase Managers to develop and manage a long-term procurement strategy. This will help the company source the best possible suppliers and keep the prices of their offerings competitive by ensuring the company is always investing in the best quality materials as well as the contract terms. 

Lastly, Purchase Managers in the outdoor goods industry must focus on quality control and cultivating positive relationships with the company’s suppliers. This can be achieved by regularly monitoring the performance of the suppliers and making sure their products meet the company’s quality standards. Companies can also leverage product certifications to communicate quality.  Additionally, building positive relationships with suppliers is key in negotiating good price levels that match  the company’s needs. 

To summarize

Purchase Managers in the outdoor goods industry face many pain points, including but not limited to; pressure to keep prices low while maintaining great quality, difficulty in preserving quality control of products, and playing in a highly competitive industry.  Nonetheless, there are various strategies that can be implemented to help mitigate these pain points, such as staying informed with the latest industry trends and technology, developing and managing a long-term procurement strategy, focusing on quality control and building productive relationships with suppliers. Adopting these strategies prove to be beneficial to the company in the long run and enable the Purchase Manager to be successful in their role.