Purchasing manager
Purchasing managers buy equipment, goods and services for their company or organisation.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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.
Career path and progression
As your career develops, you could work towards becoming a Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and 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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
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
More Information
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
More Information
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 and Supply.
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.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply for professional development training and industry contacts, which could help with your career.
Further information
You can get more advice about becoming a purchasing manager from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.