Purchasing managers are required to buy services, equipment, and goods for a company. They compare costs, service, and quality to ensure the best products for their employers. In large companies they have a purchasing department and lead a team composed by administrators and buyers. Examples of their buying processes are related to cleaning services, wholesale stock, furniture, engineering components, raw materials, etc.

Purchasing managers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Keeping up to date with market trends.
• Identifying new products.
• Deciding what services are needed for the company.
• Processing payments.
• Agreeing contracts.

• Having good negotiation skills.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Having knowledge about budgets and finances.
• Being organised.
• Having good IT skills.
• Having problem solving abilities.
• Having interpersonal skills.
• Being able to work with a team.
• Having Math skills.
• Having high attention to details.

There are several useful paths and qualifications for employers in Purchasing area. Candidates can start working as assistants or administrators in the purchasing department. Thanks to on-the-job experience, they can obtain professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. Other path is having a degree, Higher National Diploma, Higher National Certificate, or BTEC in logistics studies or supply chain management.

Courses mentioned before require applicants with five GCSE´s (A
*-C) and two A levels including English and Math as a minimum. Check specific requirements with every university or institution.