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Purchasing manager

Alternative titles for this job include Procurement manager

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

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 but it may be useful to get a relevant foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • business studies
  • purchasing and logistics
  • 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

Apprenticeship

You could start as a trainee purchasing manager through an advanced Procurement and supply assistant apprenticeship.

You could also do a Commercial procurement and supply higher apprenticeship.

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

Work

You could start by working as an administrator or assistant in a company's purchasing department. You could work your way up as you get more experience.

You could also take professional qualifications through an organisation like the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you have several years' experience in purchasing. If you have a degree you can join a procurement graduate management scheme.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply for professional development training and industry contacts, which could help with your career.

Further information

You can find more advice about becoming a purchasing manager from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • persuading and negotiating skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • decide what goods, services and equipment are needed
  • forecast stock or service levels and identify potential cost savings
  • research and find new products and suppliers
  • assess tenders from potential suppliers
  • present any legal or commercial risks to senior leadership teams
  • negotiate prices and agree contracts
  • monitor the performance of contracted suppliers
  • make sure staff follow purchasing procedures correctly
  • keep up to date with market trends

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You can improve your career prospects with a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Procurement & Supply Apprentice

  • Wage: £10,982.40 to £21,673.60 Annually
  • Location: London

Global Category Management Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,500.00 Annually
  • Location: London

Courses In England

CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 10 September 2024
  • Location: Crawley

A Level Accountancy

  • Provider: THE BLACKPOOL SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2024
  • Location: Blackpool

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