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Purchasing Manager

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AVG. SALARY

$116,260

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree or higher +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Purchasing Managers Career Video

Insider Info

Purchasing managers are the people who manage the purchase of services and supplies for their employers. They arrange the contracts for necessary services, like cleaning. They also buy materials and equipment. This may include everything from raw materials for manufacturing to finished products and parts.

A purchasing manager may also have other duties related to purchased items, including inventory, shipping and transportation, and quality.

A purchasing manager must have excellent communication skills and strong ethics. They must be tough minded and curious. They spend almost half their time talking. Sometimes they act as a mediator between their company and suppliers. They have to have a good working relationship with both the company and the suppliers in order to get the job done.

Strong ethics are necessary because purchasing managers control large amounts of money. They have to be principled enough to resist any opportunities to profit personally from the deals they make.

Purchasing managers can be found working in every industry, since every industry needs supplies to do its work. They may be employed in retail or wholesale sales or small or big business. They might be in research or work for manufacturing companies. Purchasers who work for government or public services, such as school boards or city hall, are usually called "public buyers," since they work in the public service.

Two trends are currently affecting people in this career -- certification and computerization.

The first reflects an increasing demand for professional purchasers. With an education in purchasing and experience in the field, purchasing managers can qualify for the certified purchasing professional (CPP) designation.

"Many employers are realizing the value of employing a CPP and employment opportunities are steadily increasing," says CPP Jerry Pauze.

The second trend is computerization. Purchasing managers can now buy software that does a lot of tasks -- such as filling out and sending orders -- that once had to be done by the purchasers and their assistants. This means purchasing managers are having to become much more computer-literate.

Most purchasing managers work 35 to 40 hours a week, with occasional weekend work during busy periods.

There are few physical requirements for this occupation.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Supervise the buying of supplies and services

  • Internet purchasing is growing
  • A purchasing manager must have excellent communication skills
  • University and accreditation are your best bets

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.