Purchasing managers and directors

Average National Salaries (2020)

What does this career do?

Purchasing managers and directors (not retail) plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the purchasing functions of industrial, commercial, government organisations and public agencies to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Typical tasks

• determines what goods, services and equipment need to be sourced
• devises purchasing policies, decides on whether orders should be put out to tender and evaluates suppliers’ bids
• negotiates prices and contracts with suppliers and draws up contract documents
• arranges for quality checks of incoming goods and ensures suppliers deliver on time
• interviews suppliers’ representatives and visits trade fairs
• researches and identifies new products and suppliers
• stays abreast of and ensures adherence to relevant legislation regarding tendering and procurement procedures.

Current entry requirements

Although not restricted to a particular qualification, entry is most common with A levels/H grades, a BTEC/SQA award, S/NVQs at level 3 or above, or a degree or equivalent qualification. Off- and on-the-job training is provided and professional qualifications are available. Chartered status may also be achieved.

Percentage in work

• Employed

• Unemployed

Due to insufficient sample sizes, some data was excised.

Predicted employment status in 2022

• Full-time

• Part-time

• Self Employed

Predicted employment levels in the East Midlands

Career related courses available at West Notts

There are no current courses offered by West Notts that are related to this career.

About the statistics

Data is powered by LMI for All and is sourced from labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Institute for Employment Research, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.