Overview
Purchasing managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of a purchasing department and develop and implement the purchasing policies of a business or institution. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the purchasing activities of an establishment
Develop purchasing policies and procedures and control purchasing department budget
Identify vendors of materials, equipment or supplies
Evaluate cost and quality of goods or services
Negotiate or oversee the negotiation of purchase contracts
Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products or substitute materials
Review and process claims against suppliers
Interview, hire and oversee training of staff.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$83,424
$120,318
$189,518
Job openings
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Strong job outlook
British Columbia
903expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce or economics is usually required.
Purchasing managers responsible for units purchasing specialized materials or business services may require a related degree or diploma. For example, a bachelor's degree or college diploma in engineering may be required for purchasing managers responsible for purchasing industrial products.
The designation Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) or registration in the educational program of the Supply Chain Management Association may be required.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Purchasing managers in B.C.
- Supply Chain Management Professional Designation - Purchasing Managers
Supply Chain Management Professional Designation - Purchasing Managers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a purchasing manager in BC, you may choose the earn the Supply Chain Management Professional Designation from Supply Chain Canada. Eligibility is achieved through a combination of education and work experience.
Employment as a purchasing manager requires several years of related work experience.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.