Purchasing Manager

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  Career Profile

Purchasing Manager

What they do

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.

Also Called: Category Purchasing Manager, Commodity Manager, Materials Director, Materials Manager, Procurement Director, Procurement Manager, Purchasing Director, Purchasing Manager, Purchasing Supervisor, Strategic Sourcing Director, Category Purchasing Manager, Commodity Manager, Materials Director, Materials Manager, Procurement Director, Procurement Manager, Purchasing Director, Purchasing Manager, Purchasing Supervisor, Strategic Sourcing Director

$83,510
Starting Salary (2023)
$136,380
Median Salary (2023)
4.4%
Projected Job Growth
77,530
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
Control purchasing department budgets.
Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Enterprising
Business based Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cooperation
Stress Tolerance
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Speaking
Management of Personnel Resources
Reading Comprehension
Time Management
Writing

Expected Knowledge

Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

More Info

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