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Is being a purchasing manager a good fit for you?

Leads the buyers who purchase materials, products and services for a business. Plans what to buy and who to buy it from.

What the work involves

  • Writes the rules and methods for buying and managing contracts.
  • Finds suppliers and talks with them about what is available and the terms.
  • Prepares contract offers for board approval.
  • Directs staff who buy, sell and distribute materials and equipment.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be persuading and organising. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onLow. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousLow. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeLow. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingLow. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingStrong. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingStrong. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Security. Steady work in a well-run organisation.

How much training it needs

Degree required. Usually a degree, sometimes more study after. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if a purchasing manager is one of yours.

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