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Purchasing Manager

Quick Facts

Median Salary$104,231
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+5.12%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Purchasing Manager manages the purchasing of supplies for a company or organization. Develops policies and schedules for regular procurements. Trains and supervises staff, develops relationships with suppliers, researches and inspects supplies, and negotiates supply and shipping prices.


Core Tasks:

  • Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
  • Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
  • Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
  • Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
  • Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
  • Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
  • Administer online purchasing systems.
  • Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.
  • Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
  • Control purchasing department budgets.
  • Resolve vendor or contractor grievances and claims against suppliers.
  • Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
  • Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials.
  • Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
  • Maintain records of goods ordered and received.
  • Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs.
  • Arrange for disposal of surplus materials.

What to expect as a Purchasing Manager

1Earn a Bachelor's degree

63% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Purchasing Manager related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

1039 openings for Purchasing Managers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

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