Requirements

Purchasing manager or director - requirements

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.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

What qualifications do you need to be a purchasing manager or director?

A degree isn’t always essential, but one in a relevant logistical or business area will take you far.

Subjects to consider include:

Other courses available include foundation degrees, higher national diplomas and apprenticeships.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a purchasing manager or director?

A postgraduate qualification will equip you with further specialist skills that could make you suitable for senior roles.

Examples of courses at postgraduate level include:

MSc Data Analytics
MSc Purchasing Logistics and Supply Chain Management
LLM Public Procurement Law and Policy

What skills do you need to be a purchasing manager or director?

You’ll need a strong business mindset and be good at sourcing money-saving solutions.

Hard skills usually include:

Ability to find, purchase and negotiate prices of items for a company
Strong understanding of commercial and financial markets
Purchase forecasting and strategic sourcing

Soft skills include:

Business management
Verbal and written communication
Flexibility and adaptability
Analytical thinking
Mathematical knowledge
IT and computer software literacy
Time management
Resource management
Risk management

Do you need work experience to be a purchasing manager or director?

It’s a competitive area so, even for an entry-level role, any kind of related work experience will give you an edge in the graduate job market. For example, you might have done an industry placement as part of your degree course. Or you could find a summer scheme or internship with a company’s procurement department.

You’ll need several years of relevant procurement experience for more senior purchasing roles.