Purchasing Managers

Also Called: Materials Manager, Procurement Manager, Purchasing Director

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$83,510

Entry Salary

Average

Job outlook

What Purchasing Managers do

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.

  • Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
  • Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.
  • Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
Industry Areas:

Finance and Business • Retail Sales and Services

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Telephone
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Contact With Others
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

Tools

  • Desktop calculator
  • Desktop computers
  • Personal computers

Technology

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
NetSuite ERP
Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Procurement software
Ariba Spend Management Suite
PurchasingNet eProcurement

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Business
management
accounting and economics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics

Education

  • 75% Bachelor's degree
  • 10% Associate's degree
  • 10% Master's degree

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Administrative Services Managers

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Travel Guides

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Executive Secretaries & Executive Administrative Assistants

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Purchasing Managers Currently Selected

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Aaniiih Nakoda College

    Harlem, MT

  • Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Leadership
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Dependability

Values

  • Working Conditions
  • Support
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math

This is what Purchasing Managers across the country typically make.

$40.15 / hour
$83,510 /year

Entry Level

$65.57 / hour
$136,380 /year

Median Level

$103.45 / hour
$215,170 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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