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To become a purchasing manager, earn a related bachelor’s degree and work as a purchasing agent, dispatcher, junior buyer, or assistant buyer. Leadership and computer skills are important, as well as understanding the merchandise a company produces or sells. Continuing education or certification is necessary for advancement.
Purchasing managers, also known as purchasing managers, are responsible for overall purchasing planning and strategy for manufacturing or retail companies. You can become a purchasing manager by earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business management. You will need to secure employment as a purchasing agent, dispatcher, junior buyer, or assistant buyer before reaching management.
Deference is often given to those who have understanding and experience regarding the merchandise a company produces or sells. Purchasing systems can be different in all companies; therefore, graduation from a purchasing program may not be sufficient for an individual to become a purchasing manager. The type of degree you should pursue will depend on whether you want to work in a retail or manufacturing company. A business degree is preferred in retailers, but manufacturing companies prefer those with engineering, economics or applied science degrees. Some workers may need a master’s degree to advance in this field.
Leadership training is useful for anyone who wants to become a purchasing manager. These managers need to be confident leaders, good decision makers, keen planners and quick problem solvers. Buyers must make quick decisions and take a chance on styles and trends. They must have the marketing skills to identify products that will become popular in the near future. Purchasing managers spend a lot of time supervising assistant buyers; therefore, leadership skills like these are vital.
Computer training is also important as more businesses take advantage of e-procurement software. With this purchasing method, companies can automate much of the purchasing function, such as automatic reordering when inventory levels drop below a certain point. There are different types of software used in e-procurement and it is helpful to become familiar with them.
Some companies hire students directly from college to train their purchasing systems and start working as assistant buyers quickly. Others will hire college students at the entry-level level and then promote them to assistant buyers. Most employers use a combination of both methods to handle purchases.
Once you find work as a purchasing agent, you’ll need to secure continuing education or certification to advance and become a purchasing manager. Certification is becoming more important for those looking to break into this field and is likely to be required for many positions.
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