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To become a purchasing administrator, one needs formal education, industry training, and entry-level field experience. An undergraduate degree in business or economics is preferred, and an advanced degree may be required for executive management roles. Gaining experience through entry-level positions and learning from more experienced colleagues is crucial. A master’s degree in business administration, marketing, or retail can also be beneficial. Certification may be required in some countries.
To become a purchasing administrator, an individual needs a combination of formal education, industry training, and entry-level field experience. Many wholesale and manufacturing companies that employ managers and purchasing assistants prefer that they have an undergraduate degree in business or economics. It is also essential to understand the retail environment and the way goods move through the distribution pipeline. Most companies offer a formal training program or pair assistant buyers with more experienced personnel as they learn the fundamentals of the company’s business methods.
Aspiring purchasing administrators should keep in mind that an advanced degree may be required to move into an executive management role. For this reason, it is helpful to obtain an undergraduate degree in business administration, economics, or applied science. Those who want to become a purchasing administrator should also look for opportunities to learn the retail business while in school. Gaining a part-time position in merchandising or retail sales, or a summer internship in purchasing, can help an individual become familiar with industry practices.
Those nearing completion of a degree program may want to start researching possible manufacturing, wholesale, and retail companies that employ new graduates for assistant buyer positions. Some of these companies recruit those who want to become a purchasing administrator for entry-level training programs. These entry-level positions allow new graduates to become accustomed to the company’s environment and the responsibilities of a purchasing manager over the course of a year or more.
Most who want to become a buy manager start out in support positions. They can start out as assistant buyers or junior assistants. Before assuming an executive management role, an individual needs to gain purchasing experience and learn how a particular company operates. For example, shopping for a manufacturing company can be very different from a high-end department store.
Purchasing assistants learn from more experienced colleagues how to find and secure the right mix of products, compile and interpret market data, and respond to fluctuating inventory levels. They can also gain additional exposure and insight into the supply chain process, establish connections with suppliers, and gain experience managing salespeople. After an individual gains experience and exposure to the duties of a buyer, the company may recommend that additional responsibility be given.
Obtaining a master’s degree in business administration, marketing, or retail can be beneficial for anyone wishing to become a purchasing administrator. Many senior buyers end up earning an advanced degree as it may be necessary for promotion. Senior buyers often supervise junior buyers, merchandise managers, and various sales representatives. In some countries, certification in planning and purchasing merchandise may also be required.
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