Purchasing manager
Purchasing managers buy equipment, goods and services for their company or organisation.
Also known as: Procurement manager
- Starter salary£28,000 a year
- Experienced£60,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 42 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
As a purchasing manager, you could:
- identify what goods, services and equipment are needed
- draw up tenders and assess bids from potential suppliers
- present any legal or commercial risks to senior leadership teams
- identify savings, negotiate prices and agree contracts with suppliers
- monitor the performance of contracted suppliers
- manage a purchasing team and make sure rules are followed correctly
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- business management skills
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be flexible and open to change
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- maths knowledge
- persuading and negotiating skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a purchasing manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
There is no set entry route to become a purchasing manager, though it may be useful to study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- business studies
- logistics and procurement
- purchasing and supply
- marketing
- supply chain management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could start as a trainee purchasing manager by doing a:
- Procurement and Supply Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Commercial Procurement and Supply Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to join a company as an administrator or assistant in a purchasing department. You could work your way up as you get more experience.
You might also take professional qualifications while working, through an organisation like the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply.
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs if you have several years' experience in buying and purchasing. If you have a degree, you may be able to join a graduate management training scheme.
Career path and progression
As your career develops, you could work towards becoming a Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS) . This is internationally recognised and can lead to chartered status.
With experience, you could apply for senior roles like head of department, specialise in a particular industry or become a purchasing consultant.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply for professional development training and industry contacts, which could help with your career.
Guides for this industry
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