A purchasing manager oversees all purchases for their company or organization, manages budgets and finds deals on products and services. On a typical day, a purchasing manager will negotiate with merchandisers and service providers to find the best prices for their company. They will also recommend any service or product that they feel will benefit the company or prevent a bad deal from happening.
Skillset: Purchasing managers must possess superior negotiation and communication skills, as they deal with everyone from merchandisers to company staff to upper management on a daily basis. They must also be strong problem solvers with excellent mathematical skills.
Education: Most employers require that a purchasing manager hold a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field. Some employers require only a certification, which can vary from state to state. Completion of advanced mathematics courses is also highly recommended.
Career Path: A successful purchasing manager must demonstrate high quality negotiation skills and strong communication and management abilities. Pursue a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field and consider a master’s degree to increase credentials. Internships will help increase experience and build up a resume.
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