A hotel procurement or purchasing manager buys equipment and supplies for a single location or for a number of properties that are form part of a hotel chain. Someone wishing to become a hotel purchasing manager must gain some experience working in the hospitality industry. Additionally, many employers require applicants for these jobs to have college degrees, and to have previously worked in supervisory roles.
Someone working as a procurement manager in a hotel must negotiate supply contracts with vendors for food, beverages, soap, cleaning supplies and other types of products that are used by staff or guests on a daily basis. Additionally, people in these roles also have to acquire durable goods such as bed frames, mattresses and other types of furniture. Consequently, many employers prefer to fill these jobs with individuals who have completed undergraduate degree courses in business administration or management. Some colleges offer associates or bachelor's degree programs in hotel management; someone wishing to become a hotel purchasing manager may benefit from enrolling in such a program.
Many travel companies and private hotels offer internships to college students. People who take part in these programs are able to shadow procurement specialists and managers as they negotiate deals, balance budgets and handle staffing matters. Interns are sometimes offered permanent jobs in which case someone wishing to become a hotel purchasing manager may benefit from taking part in one of these unpaid programs.
In some countries, industry associations operate training classes for those involved in procurement jobs. Typically, these courses are focused on teaching attendees about negotiation techniques, basic accounting practices and various types of general management skills. People who successfully complete these sessions receive a certificate of completion and some hotel operators actively seek out individuals who hold these professional designations to fill vacant positions.
Aside from academic credentials, anyone wishing to become a hotel purchasing manager must spend some time working in various capacities in a hotel chain. Typically, managers gain experience in administrative or bookkeeping roles although others hone their negotiating skills while working in the sales office. A purchasing manager normally has several direct reports who may be based at various locations. Therefore, most firms prefer to fill these jobs with individuals who have previously worked as supervisors.
Language skills may prove useful for a purchasing manager who presides over foreign locations or buys goods from overseas suppliers. Good interpersonal, time keeping and administrative skills are also among the prerequisites for these jobs. Additionally, most employers require managers to have some knowledge of computer software, online web sites and communication systems. Therefore, someone wishing to become a hotel purchasing manager may benefit from enrolling in short-term language, administrative or computer based courses at a local community college.
