Operations & Supply Chain

Purchasing Fundamentals for New Buyers

New buyers need a solid foundation in purchasing processes, ethics and commercial skills. This course covers the purchasing cycle, specifications, supplier sourcing and quotations, price and cost analysis, basic negotiation, purchase orders and contracts, expediting, supplier relationships and procurement ethics.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Strong fundamentals prevent costly mistakes and build credibility with internal customers. You will gain practical skills to perform confidently in a buying role.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Process walkthroughs, quotation comparison exercises, negotiation practice and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the purchasing cycle and procurement roles
Clarify requirements and specifications
Source suppliers and obtain quotations
Analyse prices and quotations
Negotiate simple purchases
Manage orders, delivery and supplier relationships ethically

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

New buyers and purchasing assistants
Procurement officers
Administrative staff with buying duties
Stores and inventory staff
Graduates entering procurement

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Purchasing process
Quotation analysis
Negotiation
Order management
Procurement ethics

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Purchasing Basics

09:00–10:08Role of purchasing
10:08–11:00Purchasing cycle
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Purchasing cycle (continued)
11:45–12:53Policies
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Requirements and Sourcing

09:00–10:08Specifications
10:08–11:00Finding suppliers
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Finding suppliers (continued)
11:45–12:53Requests for quotation
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Price Analysis

09:00–10:08Comparing quotations
10:08–11:00Total cost
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Total cost (continued)
11:45–12:53Price and cost analysis
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Negotiation and Orders

09:00–10:08Basic negotiation
10:08–11:00Purchase orders
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Purchase orders (continued)
11:45–12:53Terms and conditions
12:53–14:00Role play

Day 5Delivery and Relationships

09:00–10:08Expediting
10:08–11:00Supplier relationships
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Supplier relationships (continued)
11:45–12:53Ethics and fraud risks
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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