Purchasing Manager
What is the work like?
As a purchasing manager or procurement manager, you would be responsible for buying in equipment, goods and services for your company. Your main aim would be to compare costs, quality and service so that you get the best value for your employer.
What you might buy would depend on your employer and the industry you work in. You could be finding everything from the retail stock or engineering parts that your company uses or sells, to any furniture, office supplies and cleaning services needed in your business premises.
Your day-to-day tasks would typically include:
- deciding what goods, services and equipment are needed
- monitoring and forecasting stock levels
- researching and identifying new products and suppliers
- assessing tenders from potential suppliers
- negotiating prices and agreeing contracts
- making sure that suppliers deliver on time
- processing payments and invoices
- keeping up with market trends.
If you work for a larger organisation, you might run a purchasing department and lead a team of buyers and administrators. In smaller companies, you might combine purchasing with general management duties.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Employers could ask for varying qualifications and experience. You may have an advantage with a BTEC HNC/HND or degree in supply chain management, logistics or business studies, but this is not essential if you have relevant work experience.
You could start as an administrator or assistant in a company's purchasing department, and work your way up to manager as you gain experience and professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).
For some jobs, employers may prefer you to have qualifications and technical knowledge in your particular industry. This is most common in fashion retail, engineering, quantity surveying and construction.
You may be able to join some large companies through a management training scheme. You will usually need a degree (in any subject) to get onto this type of scheme, although some employers will recruit people with A levels or similar qualifications.
Most employers expect purchasing managers to have or be working towards membership of CIPS. If you do not have an accredited degree in supply chain management, you can study for CIPS professional qualifications while you are working in a purchasing department.
See the CIPS website for a list of accredited degrees and postgraduate courses, and more details about their qualifications and membership.
What further training and development can I do?
You will develop your skills on the job, possibly as part of a structured graduate training scheme. You will also normally study for NVQs or professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).
You could work towards NVQ levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Supply Chain Management (previously known as Procurement), or you could study for CIPS qualifications including:
- Level 3 Certificate in Purchasing and Supply
- Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
- Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
- Level 6 Graduate Diploma, a degree-level qualification.
CIPS has also recently developed Level 2 (introductory) and Level 7 (executive diploma) qualifications.
The Level 3 and 4 qualifications are suitable for purchasing administrators and people new to the industry. Most purchasing managers aim to achieve the Level 6 Graduate Diploma.
You can study for CIPS qualifications part-time at local colleges and private training providers, or by distance learning. See the CIPS website for full details of entry requirements and where to study.
Where can I go for more information?
Easton HouseEaston on the Hill
Stamford
Lincolnshire
PE9 3NZ
Tel: 01780 756777
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are usually around £18,000 to £23,000 a year.
- With experience this can rise to between £25,000 and £40,000.
- Top salaries can reach £60,000 or more.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your typical working hours would be Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with occasional overtime to meet deadlines if necessary. Flexible hours and part-time work may be available.
You would be mainly office-based, but may also travel to meet suppliers.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good spoken and written communication skills
- excellent negotiating and networking skills
- mathematical ability, to work with figures and budgets
- good judgement and analytical ability
- an organised approach
- accuracy and attention to detail
- good business sense
- leadership skills and the ability to work well as part of a team
- the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
What opportunities are there?
You could work as a purchasing manager in all kinds of industries – not only manufacturing, retail and wholesale, but also for service industries and public bodies like the Civil Service, NHS and local authorities.
Jobs may be advertised in the local and national press, trade publications for your particular industry, and specialist recruitment agencies.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open new window):
Supply Management
Retail Week
CIPS Recruitment
Supply Chain Online
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