Purchasing manager Procurement manager
Purchasing managers buy equipment, goods and services for their company.
Salary: £20,000 to £60,000 average per year
Hours: 35 to 40 per week
1. Entry requirements
There are no set requirements, but experience in a company's purchasing department could help.
You may also be able to get into this role through a company's management training scheme.
2. Skills required
You'll need:
- financial skills
- excellent negotiating and networking skills
- leadership and management skills
3. What you'll do
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- deciding what goods, services and equipment are needed
- monitoring and forecasting stock levels
- researching and finding new products and suppliers
- assessing tenders from potential suppliers
- negotiating prices and agreeing contracts
- keeping up to date with market trends
In larger organisations you may run a purchasing department and lead a team of buyers and administrators. In smaller companies, you may combine purchasing with other management duties.
4. Salary
Starter: £20,000 to £25,000
Experienced: £25,000 to £40,000
Highly Experienced: up to £60,000
These figures are a guide. Salaries may be higher in very large companies.
5. Working hours, patterns and environment
You'll usually work standard office hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime to meet deadlines. Part-time work may be available.
You'll be mainly office-based, but may also travel to meet suppliers.
6. Career path and progression
You can improve your career prospects with a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.
Last updated: 26 September 2016