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Purchasing managers buy in equipment, goods and services for all kinds of companies and organisations. This can be anything from buying the stock to be sold, to the equipment, furniture and cleaning services used by the company. They compare and check costs, quality and service to make sure that they get the best deal.

Their duties can include:

• deciding what goods, services and equipment need to be bought
• forecasting the levels of stock or components needed to make sure that supply keeps up with demand
• finding reliable suppliers
• assessing bids from suppliers
• negotiating prices and agreeing contracts
• making sure that items are delivered on time and that suppliers are paid
• checking catalogues or attending trade fairs and demonstrations to research new products and suppliers
• writing reports.

Purchasing managers may also be known as procurement managers or head buyers. In larger organisations, they may be part of a purchasing department and lead a team of buyers and administrators. In a smaller company, purchasing may be combined with other duties.

Hours and Environment

As a purchasing manager you will usually work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You may sometimes have to work longer hours to meet deadlines. Flexible hours and part-time work may be available.

You will be mainly office-based, but may also travel to meet suppliers. A driving licence may be an advantage.

Skills and Interests

To be a purchasing manager you need:

• good spoken and written communication skills
• good mathematical skills, to work with figures and budgets
• the ability to analyse and assess information
• good organisational skills
• accuracy and attention to detail
• negotiating and networking skills
• good business sense
• the ability to work well as part of a team
• the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Entry

There are no set entry requirements. Employers may ask for a BTEC HNC/HND or a degree, or you could start as a purchasing administrator or buyer and progress into a management role. (See the Buyer profile for more details).

You may have an advantage with a HNC/HND or degree in:

• logistics
• supply chain management
• business studies
• management
• public administration.

Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

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.

As a purchasing manager, employers will often expect you to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). You can become a full member of CIPS by having three years’ relevant work experience, and:

• an accredited degree,
• NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Supply Chain Management or Procurement, or
• the CIPS Graduate Diploma.

See the CIPS website for a list of accredited degrees and postgraduate courses, and more details about their qualifications and membership.

Training

You will usually be trained on the job, possibly through a structured graduate training scheme. You will also normally study for NVQs/SVQs or professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

You could work towards NVQ/SVQ Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Supply Chain Management (previously known as NVQs/SVQs in 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 is developing new Level 2 (introductory) and Level 7 (executive diploma) qualifications, which will be available in September 2007.

The Level 3 and 4 qualifications are suitable for purchasing administrators and people new to the industry. Most buyers 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.

If you have a lot of experience as a purchasing manager, you can work towards the Eurodiploma in Purchasing and Supply Management. This is a qualification supported by all European purchasing associations including CIPS.

Opportunities

As a purchasing manager you could work in all kinds of industries, not only manufacturing, retail and wholesale, but also for service industries, public bodies like the Civil Service and National Health Service, local authorities and the armed forces.

Purchasing or buying departments vary widely in size and scope. Many retail head offices are in London or the south east of England, but jobs are available all over the UK.

Promotion prospects in larger companies are good. Small firms have more limited prospects, so you may have to change employers to progress in your career.

You could also move into related areas of work such as distribution and logistics, merchandising, sales and marketing or management.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New purchasing managers may start on £18,000 to £23,000 a year.
Experienced purchasing managers usually earn £25,000 to £35,000 or more.
Senior purchasing managers or directors may earn over £60,000.

Further information

Easton House
Easton on the Hill
Stamford
Lincolnshire
PE9 3NZ
Tel: 01780 756777