Purchasing Managers
Human Advantage 80%
Strongly human-essential role
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.1 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
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.
Also Known As: Category Purchasing Manager, Commissary Superintendent, Commodity Manager, Contract Manager, Contracting Manager, Division Merchandise Manager (DMM), General Merchandise Manager, Materials Director +17 more
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.
- Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
- Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
- Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
- Administer online purchasing systems.
- Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
- Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
- Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.
- 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.
- Maintain records of goods ordered and received.
- Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
- Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs.
- Arrange for disposal of surplus materials.
Education & Training
Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (37)
Tools & Equipment (3)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Purchasing & Warehousing Supply Chain & Transportation
Zone 4
Purchasing Managers You are here
Leadership & Operations Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Order Clerks 78% match
Zone 3
Facilities Managers 78% match
Zone 4
Purchasing Managers You are here
Zone 5
Chief Sustainability Officers 79% match
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