Have you ever considered exactly how large companies and corporations manage their inventory?
Who do they purchase from, and why?
If you have, a career as a purchasing manager is the answer you’re looking for.
Purchasing managers are responsible for the goods and services consumers use, and their role in a company is vital.
Whether it is comparing prices or negotiating with vendors, purchasing managers are in charge of providing high-quality products at the lowest price possible.
Purchasing Manager Job Information
| Official Job Title | Purchasing Manager |
| Average Salary | $127,150 |
| Stress Level | Above Average |
| Work/ Life | Average |
| Job Satisfaction | Average |
| Career Advancement | Average |
Purchasing Manager Job Description
What Is A Purchasing Manager?
The purchasing manager’s tasks vary depending on the industry and the firm they work with.
Still, a purchasing manager is usually responsible for things such as the procurement of raw materials for production and the collaboration with manufacturers to receive final products.
Regardless of their specific duties, the main objective of a purchasing manager is to find the lowest possible price for items and services without sacrificing quality.
All of these techniques make their work critical to a company’s success.
What Does A Purchasing Manager Do On A Daily Basis?
Because there are many different fields for a purchasing manager to work in, the day-to-day responsibilities will vary.
On average, a large majority of the work will revolve around the facility’s specific needs.
Much of the work entails directing and delegating other supply chain personnel teams and maintaining a company’s inventory.
Daily, this occupation involves managing multiple projects at the same time.
Most purchasing managers work full-time, with overtime being a widespread occurrence.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Purchasing Manager
- Evaluating and purchasing goods and services from suppliers based on the price, quality, and speed of service
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with vendors, including contract and price negotiations
- Attending conferences and meetings
- Keeping up to date on new industry trends
- Hiring and training staff
- Determining and managing inventory needs
- Managing budgets
Purchasing Manager Salary
Average Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Purchasing Managers was $127,150 in 2021.
The average salary for this profession ranges between $105,684 and $138,360 a year.
Starting Salary
An entry-level purchasing manager earns an average salary of $98,806.
Senior Salary
A senior-level purchasing manager earns an average salary of $175,607.
How To Become A Purchasing Manager
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
Most companies require a purchasing manager to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, including military technologies, business, or manufacturing disciplines.
Experience working in procurement or a similar field is required, and a master’s degree is preferred.
Certifications may be required depending on the organization.
Many certifications are available, including the Certified Purchasing Professional and Supply Chain Professional certifications.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
- Organizational skills:
- The role of a purchasing manager requires juggling the delegation and management of many tasks, and organizing these responsibilities is vital.
- Critical thinking:
- As a purchasing manager, properly assessing the company’s needs and establishing a confident and thoughtful negotiation strategy will be necessary.
- Math skills:
- Purchasing managers consistently compare and evaluate the prices of goods and services between suppliers.
- Communication skills:
- As a purchasing manager, constant communication with staff, vendors, and manufacturers will be necessary.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Purchasing Manager?
In general, it will take around six to seven years to become a purchasing manager, depending on the level of education you reach and the work experience you have beforehand.
Is It Hard To Become A Purchasing Manager?
If you obtain the proper degree and certifications, becoming a purchasing manager should not be too difficult.
Purchasing Manager Career Paths
The Purchasing Manager Roadmap
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Work in related fields, usually as a purchasing agent
- Earn certification
- Become an assistant purchasing manager
Projections For Growth In Purchasing Manager Jobs
Overall employment is projected to decline by 6% by 2031.
This is alarming, considering that, on average, most jobs grow by about 5% yearly.
In Summary: Is Purchasing Manager A Good Career?
While the work/life balance is difficult due to the common need for overtime, the high salary and career advancement being a purchasing manager offers makes it a decent career for many.
Working Conditions
Can A Purchasing Manager Work Remotely From Home?
Today, working remotely part-time is especially prevalent, depending on the industry.
There are even many jobs available as full-time remote Purchasing Managers.
How Many Hours Does A Purchasing Manager Work?
On average, most purchasing managers work 40 hours per week, with overtime being common.
Can A Purchasing Manager Work Part-Time?
While there are some exceptions, purchasing managers are usually required to work full-time.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Purchasing Manager?
Most purchasing managers receive standard benefits, including vacation days.
The exact number will depend on the specific facility and field you work in.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Purchasing Manager
- Product Buyer
- Market Research Analyst
- Brand Strategist
- Transportation Manager
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Marketing Consultant
- Content Creator
- Marketing Specialist
- SEO Manager
- Content Marketing Manager
- Content Strategist
Purchasing Manager Resume Tips
- Include all certifications you have earned and any valuable work experience that will help your resume stand out from the rest.
- When listing your skills, use valuable skills that will directly correlate with the job you are applying for — ERP and Supply Chain Management, negotiation skills, and continual improvement process are unique skills that can specify your abilities.
- Terms such as “vendor management” and “procurement” are often used and, therefore, usually overlooked by employers, who try to avoid common keywords.
Purchasing Manager Interview Questions
Q1: How do you deal with delayed deliveries?
Why it works: Asking this question during an interview can help uncover valuable work experience and their ability to solve problems and think critically.
Q2: What type of systems have you worked with? Which would you recommend and why?
Why it works: This question is useful when understanding the depth of knowledge an applicant has in this line of work.
Q3: How would you handle a disagreement with a member of the staff or a supplier?
Why it works: This question will lead the applicant to demonstrate how they handle conflict and whether it fits your company correctly.
Jobs Related To a Purchasing Manager
- Supply chain manager
- Purchase specialist
- Operations manager
- Marketing manager
- Logistics analyst
For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Purchasing Manager
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Purchasing Manager
- Knowledgeable
- Technically and numerically skilled
- Communication oriented
- Leadership material
- Strong problem-solving capability
- Attentive to detail
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
The minimum level of education required for a purchasing manager is a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
When it comes to experience, someone with a history of procurement and about five years of experience will have the necessary tools to perform the duties of a purchasing manager.