Women In Purchasing & Supply Chain, Part II

PurchTips - Edition #84 September 20, 2005

By Charles Dominick, C.P.M., SPSM

More Insights From Women In Purchasing!

This page is a continuation of the article, Women In Purchasing & Supply Chain.

Question: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a woman in purchasing and how have you overcome them?

“In my situation about 95% of my suppliers are men and I have difficulty in getting them to take me seriously. The way I have overcome this is 'knowing my stuff' - information is key. I learn all I can about the market, range and the supplier. If I'm firm, not tough, and show that I have done research it is much easier to gain respect and get better results."

Yvonne O'Shaughnessy Buyer Non Food Superquinn Dublin, Ireland

“A woman in purchasing faces many challenges, particularly when dealing with men in the workplace and with external suppliers. Whenever a woman proposes an idea which would streamline the supply chain and reduce purchasing costs, those ideas are usually overlooked until some senior male manager decides to implement it to his benefit. Additionally, some male suppliers try in many unprofessional methods to obtain the sale they want by trickery, flattery or bribery. However, with a male purchaser, these same suppliers tend to conduct business in a more straightforward manner.”

Yvette Hoyte (Ms.) Purchasing Manager Metal Designs & Concepts Limited Trincity, Trinidad, West Indies

Question: What advice would you give to a female college student who is considering a career in purchasing and supply chain management?

“My advice to women interested in a career in purchasing is to prepare, organize and adapt. The purchasing field is very fast paced and ever-changing. Learn all you can about purchasing practices. A background of these practices, contractual law, and good communication skills will further your career.”

Theresa Robinson Purchasing Coordinator Central Ohio Transit Authority Columbus, Ohio USA

“As a manager of an international purchasing department, which deals with global supply challenges on a daily basis, I would recommend that young women interested in pursuing a career in purchasing focus on time management skills, and learn some basics of Project Management, in addition to standard skills for purchasing professionals.”

Katherine Felix Projects, Trade & Logistics Manager St. Lucia Distillers Ltd Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies

More Insights From Women In Purchasing...

“One of the most important advantages a woman has in negotiations/purchasing is her intuition: it helps us in making our decision easily, in being more cautious and choosing the best options the business requires. The purchase woman's approach is usually done through subtle phrases, delicate behaviour and charm discussions. A woman vs. a man can be charming and may take advantage on this in creating pleasant discussion with suppliers, discussion that we all know that is one of the most important stage in negotiation. In the same extent, a woman's request can not be refused as easily as a man's. All these qualities bring SUCCESS to a woman who is acting in purchasing profession.”

Ana-Maria Velica Marketing Procurement Manager British American Tobacco Romania Bucharest, Romania

“The number one challenge for me has been to work in a 95% male dominated manufacturing environment. It has been a long road to earn the trust and respect of my fellow associates. Due to some upper managerial changes I have gone from a passive role to being in charge of the purchasing function and responsible for getting the job done in an efficient, timely and cost saving manner. One specific area I have worked very hard on is a solid relationship between our vending company and all of our associates. Our main break/vending room has been completely refurbished and our vending company has recently sponsored a barbeque for all associates that was a great success! A chef was provided to do the grilling, the vending company Sales Representative did his share and I acted as the server. In this respect I am confident that everyone knows who I am and does not have a problem coming to me with their purchasing requirements and not averting the purchasing system set in place.”

Cynthia Ann Campbell Purchasing Manager Pdc Glass and Metal Services Cheswick, Pennsylvania, USA

“Having experience for more than a decade in oil and gas procurement field, I would like to advise following points to a 'to be female purchaser:'

1) The most important point is : you should be professional in the field of you are working. If you do not have the knowledge of the field you are working - products, machines, systems, function of the industries - you can not further your purchasing job even though you are a graduate of business or etc...

2) Technical know how is first and secondly the knowledge of purchasing shall be followed. A purchaser should have the purchasing knowledge (supply chain) starting from request for quotation to negotiating with suppliers and awarding purchase orders /contracts and till to the destination /requester's hand . This emphasizes the point that we need to enhance our skills obtaining a certification like the SPSM.

"A female purchaser's career will depend on the field she is working for. If it is in the field like 'ladies cloth making,' it would be less challenging. If she is in the field of heavy industries or a majority male employee area, it will get more challenging. Nevertheless, a female purchaser who complies with the above stated points will overcome problems and get a successful career.”

Khin Aye Myint Procurement Officer TOTAL E&P Myanmar Yangon, Myanmar, South East Asia

For great insights from more women in purchasing, click here.

(Keep reading for a FREE Offer)

Spotlight On Professional Development Opportunities

Are you tired of not getting enough opportunities, respect, and money out of your purchasing career? Well, guess what? Nothing will change unless you take action towards becoming a world-class purchasing professional.

You see, today's employers refuse to reward employees for yesterday's skills. They demand that purchasing professionals like you use the most modern skills and achieve unprecedented results. They want you to save more money, achieve better operational performance, and reduce risk.

Earning your SPSM Certification is the action to take if you want to bring the most modern purchasing practices into your organization and achieve your career potential. Learn how to become an SPSM at:

www.NextLevelPurchasing.com

The Latest Purchasing News!

Since the last edition of PurchTips, at least 2 new jobs preferring the SPSM Certification have been posted at www.NextLevelPurchasing.com/jobs

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