Purchasing Managers
Did You Know:
- About 42 percent of purchasing managers, buyers and purchasing agents are employed in wholesale trade or manufacturing establishments.
- Employment is projected to grow 7 percent, which is as fast as the average.
- Opportunities should be best for those with a college degree in engineering, business, economics or one of the applied sciences.
- Prospects often need continuing education or certification to advance.
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
- Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
- Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
Overall Kind of Work
Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents buy a vast array of farm products, durable and nondurable goods, and services for companies and institutions. They attempt to get the best deal f...
Work Environment
Military
Purchasing and contracting managers work in offices.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
4,515 Purchasing Managers in the military
Service Branches
Purchasing and Contracting Managers work in the following services:
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills: 
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure: