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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)

£20,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

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 for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels for a degree

More information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a commercial procurement and supply higher apprenticeship. 

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a higher or a 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 company's graduate management training 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

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • analytical thinking skills
  • Being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • deciding what goods, services and equipment are needed
  • monitoring and forecasting stock levels
  • researching and finding new products and suppliers
  • assessing tenders from potential suppliers
  • negotiating prices and agreeing contracts
  • keeping up to date with market trends

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

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

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Procurement Apprentice

  • Wage : £15,000.00 - £16,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Manchester M17 1PA

Procurement Assistant Apprentice

  • Wage : £11,267.00 Annually
  • Location: Colchester CO4 3SQ
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply

  • Provider: ENCOMPASS CONSULTANCY LIMITED
  • Start date: 01 January 2019
  • Location: Kingston upon Hull

Diploma in Procurement and Supply

  • Provider: WAKEFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 January 2019
  • Location:
Find courses near you

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