Introduction
Formulation of a job description requires a proper job analysis. This entails identification of the tasks to be performed by employees (Clark 2013, pp. 5-7). It also involves classification of the skills required to perform a given task (Clark 2013, pp. 5-7). This paper examines two job descriptions and the skills required in each of them.
Purchasing Agent Job Description
Job Duties
The purchasing agent will be required to perform the following functions. First, he or she will be required to procure equipment and office furniture. The agent will ensure that the company’s procurement rules are followed systematically during the procurement process (Edwards 2013, pp. 23-25). Second, the agent will be required to negotiate for better prices during the purchase of various goods and services.
Third, the agent will advise the management on the challenges that can affect procurement activities (Edwards 2013, p. 25). Thus, he or she will be required to prepare daily procurement reports.
Fourth, the agent will be expected to sort and file documents. Finally, the purchasing agent will investigate and solve problems associated with the procurement process. This will entail collecting and analyzing information about market trends (Edwards 2013, p. 30).
Experience and Skills Required
An applicant for this position must have at least five years experience in procurement or supply chain management. Therefore, the agent must have a comprehensive understanding of procurement policies and procedures (Edwards 2013, p. 26). He or she must have basic computer and accounting skills.
The applicant should be able to prioritize tasks, work in a busy environment, and meet set deadlines. The agent must also have excellent documentation, communication, and negotiation skills. Finally, the agent will be required to adhere to the highest level of professionalism (Edwards 2013, p. 26).
Education Background
The position requires a person with a university degree in supply chain management or procurement. However, individuals with a diploma qualification will be considered if they have at least seven years experience.
General Manager Job Description
Job Duties
The general manager will be required to perform the following duties. First, the manager will provide leadership and forecast the company’s performance goals (Sloma 2012, p. 14). Therefore, he or she will be required to develop a new strategic plan to facilitate growth and maximize profits. Second, the general manager will be required to evaluate the performance of the company periodically (Sloma 2012, p. 14).
Third, the general manager will recommend measures to improve the performance of the company (Sloma 2012, p. 15). In this case, he or she will be expected to inform the board of directors about the performance of the company. Fourth, he or she will be responsible for building the image of the company (Sloma 2012, p. 17). Finally, the general manager will be required to attend management-training workshops regularly.
Experience and Skills Required
An applicant for this position must have the following skills and experience. He or she must have served in a senior management position for at least four years. The candidate must have superior skills in strategic planning and management (Sloma 2012, p. 15).
He or she must have good communication and coordination skills. The candidate must also possess proficient computer skills (Sloma 2012, p. 16). In addition, the applicant should be able to improve the company’s performance.
Education Background
An applicant for this position must have a postgraduate degree in business administration or any social science. The company will also consider applicants who are currently pursuing postgraduate studies and have four years experience in management.
Personal Skills Match for the General Manager Position
My skills and academic credentials are relevant to the aforementioned job description. For instance, between 2009 and 2013, I served as a general manager in an oil company in my hometown. Therefore, I have four years experience in management. I prepared and reviewed the company’s short-term and medium-term plans. Thus, I possess good planning skills that will enable me to develop a strategic plan.
Additionally, I was in charge of organizing in-service training programs for employees. The training programs were meant to equip employees with new skills and to sensitize them on the emerging issues in the oil industry.
Through regular training programs, I managed to improve the performance of many employees. This led to an overall improvement in the performance of the company. Currently, I am pursuing a postgraduate degree in strategic management.
Justification for Selecting the General Manager Position
I have selected this position because of the following reasons. First, I have relevant academic qualification. For example, the position requires a person who is currently enrolled in a postgraduate degree program. Second, I have good mentoring skills in business administration. Moreover, I have enough experience in management.
Conclusion
The discussion in the foregoing paragraphs has revealed that a job description is very important. It enables a company to recruit qualified employees by developing clear job requirements. Thus, companies should always develop job descriptions for their employees to improve their performance.
References
Clark, M 2013, The Job Description Handbook, Bang Printing, New York.
Edwards, M 2013, Recruiting and Hiring Advice, Eagle Publishers, London.
Sloma, R 2012, No-Nonsense Management, A General Manager’s Primer, Beard Publishers, London.