Purchasing manager

There is no set entry route to become a purchasing manager, though it may be useful to study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• business studies
• logistics and procurement
• purchasing and supply
• marketing
• supply chain management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could start as a trainee purchasing manager by doing a:

• Procurement and Supply Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Commercial Procurement and Supply Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Senior Procurement and Supply Chain Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You may be able to join a company as an administrator or assistant in a purchasing department. You could work your way up as you get more experience.

You might also take professional qualifications while working, through an organisation like the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply.

You can apply directly for jobs if you have several years' experience in buying and purchasing. If you have a degree, you may be able to join a graduate management training scheme.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply for professional development training and industry contacts, which could help with your career.

Further Information

You can get more advice about becoming a purchasing manager from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply.

As a purchasing manager, you could:

• identify what goods, services and equipment are needed
• draw up tenders and assess bids from potential suppliers
• present any legal or commercial risks to senior leadership teams
• identify savings, negotiate prices and agree contracts with suppliers
• monitor the performance of contracted suppliers
• manage a purchasing team and make sure rules are followed correctly

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a purchasing manager to be a green job, you could:

• work with suppliers who follow sustainability practices
• use recycled or biodegradable packaging to cut down on waste
• use technology to plan fuel efficient routes between supplier and customer

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office.