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Purchasing managers are also known as procurement managers. They’re responsible for buying equipment, services and goods for a company. Use this career guide to find out what the job role is all about.
Purchasing managers and directors plan, organise and coordinate what a company buys. This could be in an industrial, commercial, government or public agency context.
Work in this role and you’ll be responsible for sourcing, purchasing and negotiating things like shop stock or advertising services. You’ll probably work in an office in a team. Together you’ll look for sustainable ways to reduce a company’s waste and maximise profits.
It can be challenging as you may have to meet strict targets and deadlines, especially if you’re in control of the purchasing for a global company. You might also have other staff waiting for you to complete your tasks before they can complete theirs. On the other hand, it can come with a competitive salary, good job progression and exciting travel opportunities.
Daily tasks will vary but could involve:
The average salary for a purchasing manager or director in the UK is £50,960. Graduates start at around £44,500.
You may need to travel during the day, for example, to visit sites, attend meetings and set up new business contracts. Overseas travel is also a possibility, depending on the organisation you work for, e.g., to attend trade shows or make procurement deals with foreign companies.
Some elements of the role can be done from home, especially the more administrative parts of the job.
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