Maintain relationship with suppliers

Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.

maintaining relationship with suppliers
manage relationship with suppliers
maintain relationship with a supplier
control relationship with suppliers
sustain relationship with suppliers
maintain a relationship with suppliers
preserve relationship with suppliers

skill/competence

sector-specific

Maintain relationship with suppliers is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Tobacco shop manager: Tobacco shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Shoe and leather accessories shop manager: Shoe and leather accessories shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Audiology equipment shop manager:  Audiology equipment shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Motor vehicles parts advisor: Motor vehicles parts advisors sell motor vehicle parts, order parts and identify alternative parts.
Shop assistant: Shop assistants work in shops where they perform assistance duties. The help shopkeepers in their daily work such as ordering and refilling of goods and stock, providing general advice to customers, selling products and maintaining the shop.
Telecommunication equipment shop manager: Telecommunication equipment shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Optical technician: Optical technicians assemble, repair and design various parts of eyewear such as lenses, frames, patterns and eyewear. They cut, inspect, mount and polish all parts using various machinery and hand tools. Optical technicians shape, grind and coat lenses for prescription eyewear. They fit completed lenses into eyeglass frames. Optical technicians ensure that lenses conform to the dispensing optician’s, specialised doctor in ophtalmology’s or optometrist’s prescriptions. They may also work with other associated optical instrumentation and its maintenance.
Commercial sales representative: Commercial sales representatives represent a company in selling and providing information on goods and services to businesses and organisations.
Domestic appliances shop manager: Domestic appliances shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Medical goods shop manager: Medical goods shop managers are responsible for activities and staff in specialised shops. ​They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Park guide: Park guides assist visitors, interpret cultural and natural heritage and provide information and guidance to tourists in parks such as wildlife, amusement and nature parks.
Travel consultant: Travel consultants provide customised information and consultation on travel offers, make reservations and sell travel services together with other related services.
Purchaser: Purchasers select and purchase stock, materials, services or goods. They organise tender procedures and select suppliers.
Bakery shop manager: Bakery shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Toys and games shop manager: Toys and games shop managers assume responsibility for the activities and staff in specialised shops.
Visual merchandiser: Visual merchandisers are specialised in the promotion of the sale of goods, especially their presentation in retail outlets.
Purchasing manager: Purchasing managers are in charge of buying goods, equipment and services for their company, and try to ensure the most competitive prices. They are also responsible for negotiating contracts, reviewing the quality of products and analyzing suppliers , and the use and resale of goods and services.
Trade regional manager: Trade regional managers are responsible for activities and staff in an assigned region for a specific chain of stores.

Building materials shop manager: Building materials shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Tourism contract negotiator: Tourism contract negotiators negotiate tourism-related contracts between a tour operator and tourism service providers.
Fish and seafood shop manager: Fish and seafood shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Rail project engineer: Rail project engineers maintain a safe, cost-effective, high-quality, and environmentally responsible approach across the technical projects in railway companies. They provide project management advice on all construction projects including testing, commissioning and site supervision. They audit contractors for safety, environment and quality of design, process and performance as to ensure that all projects follow in-house standards and relevant legislation.
Audio and video equipment shop manager: Audio and video equipment shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Jewellery and watches shop manager: Jewellery and watches shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Hardware and paint shop manager: Hardware and paint shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops. They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets, order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Meat and meat products shop manager: Meat and meat products shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Garage manager: Garage managers oversee the work of road vehicle mechanics and administrative personnel. They organise the daily work and deal with clients.
Pet and pet food shop manager: Pet and pet food shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Antique shop manager: Antique shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Floor and wall coverings shop manager: Floor and wall coverings shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops for wall and floor coverings.
Wedding planner: Wedding planners assist with all logistical details required concerning their client’s wedding ceremony. Based on their client’s requirements, they make arrangements for floral decorations, wedding venue and catering, guest invitations, etc., coordinating activities both before and during the wedding.
Computer software and multimedia shop manager: Computer software and multimedia shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Probation officer: Probation officers supervise offenders after their release, or who were sentenced to penalties outside of incarceration. They write reports providing advice on the offender’s sentence and analysis concerning possibilities of reoffense. They aid the offenders during the rehabilitation and reintegration process and ensure the offenders carry out their community service sentence when necessary.
Photography shop manager: Photography shop managers are responsible for activities and staff in a photography store. ​They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Furniture shop manager: Furniture shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Fruit and vegetables shop manager: Fruit and vegetables shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops for fruit and vegetables.
Travel agent: Travel agents design and market travel programme itineraries for potential travellers or visitors.
Music and video shop manager: Music and video shop managers assume responsibility for the activities and staff in specialised shops.
Kitchen and bathroom shop manager: Kitchen and bathroom shop managers are responsible for activities and staff in specialised shops that sell kitchens and bathrooms. ​They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Ammunition shop manager: Ammunition shop managers are responsible for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Orthopaedic supply shop manager: Orthopaedic supply shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Packaging production manager: Packaging production managers define and analyse package units in order to avoid damages or loss of quality of the goods packed. They also design the packaging according the specifications of the product and offer solutions to solve packaging problems.
Travel agency manager: Travel agency managers are in charge of managing employees and activities of a travel agency. They organise, advertise and sell tourist offers and travel deals for specific regions.
Sporting and outdoor accessories shop manager: Sporting accessories shop managers assume responsibility for the activities and staff in specialised shops. They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Bookshop manager: Bookshop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in this specialised store.
Clothing shop manager: Clothing shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Press and stationery shop manager: Press and stationery shop managers assume responsibility for the activities and staff in specialised shops.
Set buyer: Set buyers analyse the script in order to identify the set dressing and the props needed for all individual scenes. They also consult with the production designer and the prop and set making team. Set buyers buy, rent or commission the making of the props. Set buyers make sure sets are authentic and believable.
Sales assistant: Sales assistants represent the direct contact with clients. They provide general advice to customers.
Textile shop manager: Textile shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Shop manager: Shop managers are responsible for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Resource manager: Resource managers manage resources for all potential and assigned projects. They liaise with the different departments to see that all various resources are met, in a timely manner, and communicate any resourcing issues that may impact scheduled deadlines.
Supply chain manager: Supply chain managers plan, manage and coordinate all activities related to the sourcing and procurement of supplies needed to run manufacturing operations from the acquisition of raw materials to the distribution of finished products. The supplies can be raw materials or finished products, and it can be for internal or external use. Moreover, they plan and commission all the activities needed to be performed in manufacturing plants and adjust operations to changing levels of demand for a company’s products.
Delicatessen shop manager: Delicatessen shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Forecast manager: Forecast managers have a deep understanding of the operations of the company, the inventory levels, production batches, requirements and costs of production per product, and trends in the demand levels. They use all that information in combination with forecasting software in order to define production orders aiming for the most efficient production combinations.
Motor vehicle shop manager: Motor vehicle shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in a vehicle showroom. ​They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Railway station manager: Railway station managers are in charge of organising tasks linked to the operation of train stations. Their tasks cover the organisation of the maintenance and repairment works for buildings and interior equipment. They care for the comfort, service, safety and security of passengers, other clients and the commercial use of buildings. Depending on the size of the station, the number of staff that railway station managers are directly responsible for can be high.
Craft shop manager: Craft shop managers are responsible for activities and staff in specialised shops that sell equipment and supplies for craft activities such as sewing, painting or pottery making. ​They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Supermarket manager: Supermarket managers are responsible for activities and staff in a supermarket.
ICT buyer: ICT buyers create and place purchase orders for ICT products and services, handle receiving and invoice issues, assess current procurement practices and effectively apply strategic sourcing methodologies. They build relationships with strategic vendors and negotiate price, quality, service levels and delivery terms.
Costume buyer: Costume buyers work with the costume designer in order to identify the materials for the costumes. They buy and rent fabric, thread, accessories and other items needed to finish the wardrobe. Costume buyers may also purchase clothing items “off the peg”, ready made. They base their purchases on the sketches of the costume designer.
Cosmetics and perfume shop manager: Cosmetics and perfume shop managers assume responsibility for staff and activities in a drugstore. They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.  They sell cosmetics, perfume, medicines and miscellaneous items.
Drugstore manager: Drugstore managers are responsible for activities and staff in drugstores that sell items such as magazines, household products, medicines, cosmetics, candy or refreshments. ​They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Computer shop manager: Computer shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Category manager: Category managers define the sales programme for specific product groups. They research market demands and newly supplied products.

Purchase planner: Purchase planners organise the continuous supply with goods out of existing contracts.
Confectionery shop manager: Confectionery shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops for confectionery e.g. pastries, candy, and chocolate.
Product and services manager: Product and services managers are in charge of defining the content and structure of a catalogue or portfolio within a company.
Flower and garden shop manager: Flower and garden shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
ICT vendor relationship manager: ICT vendor relationship managers establish and maintain positive business relationships between stakeholders (external or internal), by deploying activities which are compliant with organisational processes. They also manage the outsourcing process for the organisation’s ICT department and the supply chain communications.
Bicycle shop manager: Bicycle shop managers are responsible for activities and staff in specialised shops that sell and repair bicycles. ​They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Fuel station manager: Fuel station managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in a fuel station.
ICT operations manager: ICT operations managers coordinate ICT services and infrastructure ensuring that the organisation has the required infrastructural resources. They also plan and monitor stages of either a business process or a computer process, negotiate contracts and take mitigation action in case of non-fulfilment of agreements. They oversee the day-to-day tasks involving infrastructure components, ICT systems and software.
Merchandiser: Merchandisers are responsible for positioning goods following standards and procedures.
Beverages shop manager: Beverages shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Second-hand shop manager: Second-hand shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Eyewear and optical equipment shop manager: Eyewear and optical equipment shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.

Maintain relationship with suppliers is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Hairdresser: Hairdressers offer beauty services such as cutting, colouring, bleaching, permanent waving and styling clients’ hair. They ask their clients about their hairstyle preferences in order to provide customised services. Hairdressers use clippers, scissors and razors. They provide hair and scalp treatments and shampoo, condition and rinse hair.
Gunsmith: Gunsmiths modify and repair metal fabricated firearms for special costumer specifications. They use machines and hand tools such as planers, grinders and millers to alter and restore guns, and they may also apply engravings, carvings and other decorative finishing touches to the otherwise finished product.
Watch and clock repairer: Watch and clock repairers maintain and repair wristwatches and clocks. They identify defects, change batteries, fit new straps, oil and replace damaged parts. They may also restore antique clocks.
Sports equipment repair technician: Sports equipment repair technicians maintain and repair recreational sports equipment such as tennis rackets, archery tools and camping equipment. They use specialised hand tools or mechanical tools to restore damaged parts.
Bicycle mechanic: Bicycle mechanics maintain and repair a variety of bicycle models and component parts. They may perform customized alterations, according to their client’s preferences.
Beauty salon manager: Beauty salon managers oversee the daily operations and staff management in a beauty salon. They ensure customer satisfaction, budget control and inventory management. Beauty salon managers set up and enforce salon rules and cleanliness guidelines. They are also in charge of promoting the salon to attract new clients.
Destination manager: Destination managers are in charge of managing and implementing the national/regional/local tourism strategies (or policies) for destination development, marketing and promotion.
Pedicurist: Pedicurists offer cosmetic treatment and care for their clients’ feet and toenails. They cut and shape toenails, give footbaths and exfoliation treatments and apply nail polish.
Barber: Barbers cut, trim, taper and style men’s hair. They also remove facial hair by shaving the specific area. Barbers use tools such as scissors, clippers, razors and combs. They may offer additional services like shampooing, styling, coloring and performing scalp massages.
Industrial engineer: Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Tour organiser: Tour organisers are in charge of managing and supervising the itinerary of a touristic voyage and provide practical information to tourists.
Toymaker: Toymakers create or reproduce hand-made objects for sale and exhibition made of various materials such as plastic, wood and textile. They develop, design and sketch the object, select the materials and cut, shape and process the materials as necessary and apply finishes. In addition, toymakers maintain and repair all types of toys, including mechanical ones. They identify defects in toys, replace damaged parts and restore their functionality.
ICT documentation manager: ICT documentation managers are in charge of managing the documentation development process in accordance with legal requirements, standards, organisational policies and goals. They schedule, control and direct the resources, people, funding and facilities of the documentation department (including establishing budgets and timelines, risk analysis and quality management). They also develop documentation standards, structuring methods and media concepts to effectively communicate product concepts and usage.
Optician: Opticians help to improve and correct an individual’s vision according to prescriptions provided by a specialised doctor in ophthalmology or an optometrist. They fit spectacle lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to the specifications of both the individual and the prescription. Opticians do not test patients vision nor write prescriptions for visual correction. Their scope of practice varies according to national regulations.
Marketing manager: Marketing managers carry out the implementation of efforts related to the marketing operations in a company. They develop marketing strategies and plans by detailing cost and resources needed. They analyse the profitability of these plans, develop pricing strategies, and strive to raise awareness on products and companies among targeted customers.
Recreational facilities manager: Recreational facilities managers direct the operations of facilities that provide recreational services such as gardens, spas, zoos, gambling and lottery facilities. They plan and organise the daily operations of the related staff and facilities and ensure the organisation follows the latest developments in its field. They coordinate the different departments of the facility and manage the correct use of resources and budgets.

Interior planner: Interior planners help clients in planning their interiors for commercial and private use.
ICT project manager: ICT project managers schedule, control and direct the resources, people, funding and facilities to achieve the objectives of ICT projects. They establish budgets and timelines, perform risk analysis and quality management, and complete project closure reports.
Power tool repair technician: Power tool repair technicians identify defects and repair electrically powered tools such as drills, chainsaws, lawn mowers and grinding machines. They disassemble, test and replace defective parts in tools. Power tools repair technicians advise customers on maintenance products and methods for their equipment. They may sell such products.
Aesthetician: Aestheticians offer skin care treatments. They apply various facial treatments according to their clients’ needs and skin type, such as lotions, scrubs, peels and masks, in order to maintain the skin healthy and attractive. Aestheticians may also give neck massages and body treatments such as wraps. Aestheticians remove unwanted hair on different body parts like eyebrows, upper lip or the bikini area. They perform facial massage and apply make-up for various occasions.
Retail department manager: Retail department managers are responsible for activities and staff in a section in a store.
Guide:
Guides assist individuals or groups on any art facility, travel or sightseeing tours or through places of touristic interest, such as museums, monuments and public places. They help people to interpret the cultural heritage of an object, place or area and provide information and guidance.
Office equipment repair technician: Office equipment repair technicians provide services to businesses related to installing, maintaining and repairing new or existing equipment such as printers, scanners and modems, on the clients’ premises. They keep records of performed services and return equipment to a repair centre if needed.
Computer hardware repair technician: Computer hardware repair technicians install, examine, test and repair computer hardware and peripheral components. They test computers’ functionality, identify the problems and replace damaged components and parts.
Service manager: Service managers are responsible for the supervision and coordination of the provision of different professional and technical services to customers. They ensure a smooth interaction with clients and high levels of satisfaction post-service. This occupation includes the provision of policing, correctional, library, legal and fire services.
Manicurist: Manicurists provide fingernail care. They clean, cut and shape the nails, remove cuticles and apply polish. Manicurists apply artificial fingernails and other decorative items on nails. They advice on nail and hand care and sell specialised products.
Shop supervisor: Shop supervisors are responsible for the smooth operation of stores according to regulations and company policy. They oversee business activities such budgets, inventory and customer service. Shop supervisors also monitor employees’ performance and ensure that goals are being met.
Project manager: Project managers ensure that a project is completed on time, within budget, and that its objectives are met. They oversee the project, manage the team, ensure the most efficient resources are used and ensure that all parties involved are satisfied.
Retail entrepreneur: Retail entrepreneurs organise business processes and concepts in his/her personally owned business.
Operations manager: Operations managers plan, oversee and coordinate the daily operations of production of goods and provision of services. They also formulate and implement company policies and plan the use of human resources and materials.
Supply chain assistant: Supply chain assistants work closely together with managers in the operations processes, namely purchasing, manufacturing, and distribution processes. They help with administrative and pragmatic follow up of actions such as invoicing, drafting and preparation of contracts and purchasing orders, reconciliation of inventory against documents, and communication with distribution channels.
Production engineer: Production engineers review and evaluate production performance, perform data analysis and identify under-performing production systems. They search for long or short term solutions, plan production enhancements and process optimizations.
Jewellery repairer: Jewellery repairers use specialised hand tools to carry out adjustments and repairs to all types of jewellery pieces. They resize rings or necklaces, reset gems, and repair broken jewellery parts. Jewellery repairers identify the suitable precious metals to be used as replacements, solder and smooth joints. They clean and polish the repaired pieces to be returned to the customer.
Shoe repairer: Shoe repairers repair and renew deteriorated footwear and other items like belts or bags. They use hand tools and specialised machinery to add soles and heels, replace worn-out buckles and clean and polish shoes.
Brand manager: Brand managers analyse and plan the way a brand is positioned on the market.
Mobile phone repair technician: Mobile phone repair technicians run tests to assess the mobile phones’ functionality, install and update phone software, troubleshoot wiring problems, and replace damaged parts and components such as batteries, LCD screens, keypads, buttons. They also advise their clients on warranty issues and recommend products based on their expertise.
Household appliances repair technician: Household appliances repair technicians use electrical equipment to test resistance or voltage and to identify appliances’ malfunctions. They repair small and large electrical or gas home appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners and refrigerators.
Consumer electronics repair technician: Consumer electronics repair technicians use electrical equipment to diagnose malfunctions and test functionality of consumer electronics such as TVs, video and audio systems and digital cameras. They read manufacturers’ instructions and conduct the necessary repairs or replacements.

References

1. Maintain relationship with suppliers – ESCO