This site depends on JavaScript to run. Please enable it or upgrade to a modern browser that supports it.
 

Purchasing Manager

Position Overview

A purchasing manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of goods and services essential for the company's operations. They ensure that the right products are purchased at the best prices and delivered on time to meet production schedules. The role demands strong negotiation skills, thorough market analysis, and the ability to forge and maintain relationships with suppliers.

What does a purchasing manager do?

  • Apply quality systems and tools
  • Forecast demand
  • Understand direct, indirect, overhead, fixed, variable and landed costs, and total cost of ownership
  • Use value chain analysis to identify and support activities that create customer value
  • Understand order winners and qualifiers, product and service differentiation, and competitive priorities
  • Awareness of industry analyses
  • Use master scheduling for planning and control hierarchy
  • Comprehend various costing methods that determine the cost of producing a product 
  • Support corporate mission, vision and values
  • Select appropriate methods of procuring materials and services 
  • Review and request adjustments to supplier lead time, lot size, safety stock quantity and replenishment quantities
  • Track in-transit inventory 
    purchasing manager

    Technical skills

    • Comprehension of costs related to quality
    • Recognizing demand and capacity characteristics to manage loads
    • Effective communication techniques, cultural differences, commercial versus government interests and information technology
    • Understanding of the trade-offs associated with stocking levels, customer service, sustainability impact and key network constraints
    • Awareness of contract terms and obligations with suppliers
    • Inventory classification
    • Compliance with regulations, environmental standards, protocols of material handling, personal protective equipment and safety
    • Finding, developing, retaining and managing supply chain talent
    • Customer-centricity
    • Big data and analytics
    Purchasing manager technical skills

    Leadership Skills

    • Judgement and decision-making
    • Critical thinking
    • Relationship building
    leadership skills

    Education

    Top 3 Bachelor’s Degrees:

    1. Business Administration
    2. Supply Chain Management
    3. Finance

    Top 3 Master’s Degrees:

    1. Business Administration
    2. Supply Chain Management
    3. Operations Management
    Purchasing Manager Education

    Salary Ranges for a Purchasing Manager

    If you’re looking for a way to advance your career and become a certified expert in your field, consider an APICS certification. Based on results from the annual ASCM Supply Chain Salary and Career report, supply chain managers with an APICS certification reported earning more than their counterparts without a certification.


    Earn 27% more with an APICS certification

    It pays to earn an APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) certification.

    Explore now

    Salary Ranges for a Supply Chain Manager