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Purchasing Manager

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Business Management and Administration cluster Operations Management pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree or higher, plus work experience

Purchasing managers typically need a bachelor's degree and 5 or more years of work experience in procurement.

Insider Info

Additional Information

A purchasing manager is not an entry-level job. It takes lots of education and experience.

First, get a university degree or college diploma in business or commerce. Or if you know what industry you'd like to specialize in, get a related degree. For example, if you want to become a purchasing manager for an engineering firm, get a degree in engineering.

Once you have a degree and three years work experience, get further specialized training from a professional association. This will lead to a professional designation, such as the certified purchasing manager (CPM) or the accredited purchasing practitioner (APP), issued through the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM). The certified purchasing professional (CPP) designation is conferred by the American Purchasing Society.

Getting the CPP designation requires you to take a series of courses and exams. This can take up several years. The courses cover subjects like the principles of buying, principles of inventory, operations, transportation, economics and quality.

Other courses cover areas such as law, accounting, marketing and management. A degree or diploma will earn some, to all, credits needed for the management section.

Purchaser Sue Lancaster recommends you join a purchasing association. It will give you the opportunity to job shadow a purchaser, network and make contacts in the industry.

More purchasing is done on a long-term, contract basis, so it's important to understand contractual agreements.

Extra Requirements

There are several certifications available for purchasing agents. Although some employers may require certification, many do not. The American Purchasing Society offers the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) certification. The Association for Supply Chain Management offers the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential. The Next Level Purchasing Association offers the Senior Professional in Supply Management (SPSM) certification. The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) offers two certifications for government workers.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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