CareerZone Pennsylvania

Purchasing Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services.

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Education Requirements

Work experience plus degree - A bachelor’s degree or higher plus experience gained through hands-on experience.

Interests

Knowledge

Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Economics and Accounting	Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources	Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

Equipment Selection	Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
Troubleshooting	Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Management of Financial Resources	Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

Tasks

• Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
• Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
• Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
• Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
• Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs.
• Administer online purchasing systems.
• Arrange for disposal of surplus materials.
• Maintain records of goods ordered and received.
• Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
• Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
• Control purchasing department budgets.
• Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
• Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
• Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
• Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.

Wages

In 2006, the Pennsylvania average annual wage was $83,470.00. The entry-level wage was $49,170.00 while an experienced worker made $100,610.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 4,730 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 4,940 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 21 openings due to growth and about 103 replacement openings for approximately 124 total annual openings. This occupation experienced moderate growth.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts ManagementA program that prepares individuals to manage and/or administer the processes by which a firm or organization contracts for goods and services to support its operations, as well as contracts it to sell to other firms or organizations. Includes instruction in contract law, negotiations, buying procedures, government contracting, cost and price analysis, vendor relations, contract administration, auditing and inspection, relations with other firm departments, and applications to special areas such as high-technology systems, international purchasing, and construction.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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