Purchasing manager

Purchasing managers buy equipment, goods and services for their company or organisation.

In this guide

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

Most relevant

  • Mathematics - Purchasing managers work with budgets, cost analyses, and pricing negotiations every day. They need to calculate savings, compare supplier bids, forecast spending, and analyse financial data to make sure their organisation gets the best value.
  • Business - Purchasing managers need a strong understanding of how businesses operate, including supply chains, contracts, and organisational strategy. They work closely with senior leadership teams and must understand how purchasing decisions affect the wider business.
  • Economics - Purchasing managers need to understand market conditions, pricing trends, and how supply and demand affect the cost of goods and services. This knowledge helps them time purchases well and negotiate better deals with suppliers.
  • English Language - Purchasing managers write tenders, contracts, and reports, and need to communicate complex commercial information clearly. They also negotiate with suppliers and present risks to senior leadership, so strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Also relevant

  • Law - Purchasing managers draw up contracts with suppliers and need to understand the legal implications of the agreements they make. They also identify and present legal risks to senior leadership, so a grasp of contract law and commercial regulations is very useful.
  • Accounting - Purchasing managers track spending, manage budgets, and need to understand financial records and reporting. Being able to read financial statements and monitor costs helps them identify savings and keep purchasing within budget.
  • Psychology - Purchasing managers spend a lot of time negotiating with suppliers and managing teams. Understanding what motivates people, how to persuade effectively, and how to build strong working relationships can make a real difference in getting the best outcomes.
  • Geography - Purchasing managers often source goods and services from around the world and need to understand global supply chains. Knowledge of trade routes, international markets, and how factors like climate or geopolitics can disrupt supply is increasingly important.

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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