Purchasing recruitment agencies will develop relationships with a number of employers that are looking to recruit procurement management staff for their permanent or contract vacancies. Purchasing managers can work in industries ranging from manufacturing to retail and are commonly referred to as buyers due to the nature of the position.
Job responsibilities
Purchasing manager jobs typically involve buying the right product or service for a business and acquiring them at the best possible price. Goods can include raw materials, stationery, retail stock etc. This job encompasses a number of day to day duties and candidates can expect to conduct tasks such as product research, monitoring trends, negotiating with suppliers, managing payments and overseeing a team of other buyers. The position is predominantly office based, with minimal evening and weekend work expected.
Salaries and entry requirements
In an entry level or junior role, candidates will commonly receive a starting salary of around £18K, however swift progression into a procurement / purchasing manager position can see earnings rise to £30,000 - £40,000. Senior personnel within large, typically London situated companies, will often earn the highest salaries of anywhere between £60,000 - £100,000. Senior staff may work under the title of purchasing director.
Although there is no well established route into a purchasing manager job, employers will usually favour applicants with a business related degree. The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) provides relevant courses and purchasing managers will be expected to work towards this status. Depending on the specific industry, a candidate will also require a knowledge of that field, be it engineering, manufacturing or fashion. Candidates can work their way up to a management position from a junior or assistant role, however they will still be expected to gain a CIPS qualification.
Are you looking to recruit buying staff or hoping to find a job in procurement management? Then use our list of purchasing manager recruitment agencies to get started.