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.