Purchasing Manager

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love strategic decision-making and supplier negotiations.
Drive cost savings and efficiency in company purchasing processes.
Shape company policies and contracts while fostering supplier relationships.

💰 Earn $116K-$185K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 5.1% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll Do

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.

Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.
Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

6,500 Annually

Median Earnings

$153,510 in California

$136,380 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Purchasing Manager

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Hybrid College

A hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years