How to Become a Purchasing Manager: Quick Facts 

What does a Purchasing Manager do? 

Purchasing Managers are needed to monitor the entirety of the purchasing made by an association and the cost related to those purchases. They may likewise be needed to keep track of the stock and stock accessibility of an organization to viably execute their responsibilities and duties as a Purchase Manager.

A Purchase Manager is answerable for undertaking the accompanying duties in an organization:

• Coordinate with sellers and supplies for collecting information, putting orders, checking for refreshes on conveyance and so on
• Analysing the seller proposition, purchase contracts and other information identified with making the most ideal purchase
• Monitoring the purchase made by an organization and giving reports to the upper administration when required
• Monitoring the stock or an organization altogether and ensuring that the orders are put in on time so the organization has the necessary assets consistently.
• Coordinating with various internal departments to measure prerequisites for orders and stock
• Ensuring that the conveyed merchandise fulfil the quality guidelines and arranging the profits in the event that any imperfections or errors are noticed

• Ensuring that the sellers work in consistence with the contract and company policies

Steps to follow to become a Purchasing Manager

There is some simple yet important information to follow in order to be a Purchasing Manager. The following states a generalised step-by-step guide you may keep in mind to be a Purchasing Manager.

Decision Making: 

• Before commencing or starting a career as Purchasing Manager, individuals need to do certain groundwork. They must know what subjects are to be chosen at higher secondary, bachelors and masters level. The available job prospects with a pay package should be noted too before one starts preparing.

Subject Choices: 

• There is no specific subject requirement for pursuing bachelor’s courses. Individuals from any stream at 10+2 are eligible for that. 
• For masters programmes like MBA, there is a requirement of a relevant bachelor's degree. However, for doctorate degrees, a master’s degree in Material or Supply Chain Management is needed.

Entrance Exam Preparation: 

• Preparing for the entrance test is one of the important steps that need to be successfully accomplished in the journey to becoming a Purchasing Manager. 
• There are several entrance exams for the management courses: DU JAT,CET, IPU CET which are conducted once a year for this program. 
• They must not be intimidated by the syllabus, rather they should make a strategy to cover the syllabus and revise it as much as possible.

Selecting Correct Colleges: 

• There are numerous online web portals like Collegedunia which recommend the best institute according to location, ranking, fees, placement etc. 
• Students must take benefit of such sources and they individually should visit the websites to learn more about the course, rankings, placements, faculty, internships, training etc. 
• There are international colleges too that provide quality management courses.

After qualifying Exam 

• As per admission processes at most institutes, students must first qualify for the entrance examination round. They must meet the college cut-offs before going further to the next round. The process consists of group discussions followed by a PI. For doctorate-level courses, a research proposal is also required to be submitted.

Types of Purchasing Managers

Purchasing managers regulate crafts by purchasers and buying specialists. They plan, direct, and facilitate the purchasing acquisition of items, administrations, and materials for retailer associations and wholesalers. They additionally handle complicated purchases and negotiations. They administer work of procurement-related occupations including buyers and purchasing agents.

Some of the classifications of Purchasing Managers are described below:

• Procurement officer: Procurement Officers are liable for surveying items, administrations and providers and arranging contracts. They are additionally answerable for ensuring that endorsed buys are of adequate quality and are cost-proficient.
• Supply chain manager: They administer and deal with each phase of the creative stream, from buying the crude materials to the conveyance of the eventual outcome. They ensure the perfect measure of a product is made at the correct time, just as organize the capacity of the product.
• Supplier relationship manager: They deal with evaluating providers' commitments to their business. The fundamental objective of SRM is to improve business measures among you and your providers. By making a smoothed-out approach, they improve productivity for businessesiness and providers.
• E-procurement manager: This position deals with all agreements, work orders, and buy orders for appointed expense activities, with a definitive objective of getting the best worth at a reasonable and sensible expense.
• Contract manager: A contract manager in the development business oversees contracts identifying with building projects. They study the legalities of agreements and help to arrange terms and conditions with customers and outsiders, prior to attracting up authoritative reports to lay out terms of administration and task expectations.

How to Become a Purchasing Manager in India 

The career path to become purchasing manager begins right after class 10th, to select commerce or arts stream preferably to get well versed with subjects that will help pursue BBA in supply chain management, or B.Com or BA in economics at the bachelors’ level. A brief description of how to prepare to become a Purchasing Manager is done below.

School Level Preparation 

• At the school level, there are no specific subject combinations or streams necessary to pursue.
• Candidates from Science, Arts and Commerce streams can apply for this course. One can, however, look into improving the English language.
• For BBA Supply Management program the eligibility criteria is applicable for both Merit-based or Entrance based tests
• The students must have cleared the last qualifying examination which is Class 12th boards.
• In order to get admission in BBA in Supply chain management the minimum aggregate is 50% from a recognized board.

How to become a Purchasing Manager After 12th? 

After completing school, students can now take up a short term professional course in the related discipline. Full-time degree courses will be taught over 2 to 4 years. Discussed below is how to prepare for a PG and UG course

Undergraduate Preparation

• At the UG level, candidates aspiring to become a Purchasing Manager should first focus on clearing entrance exams and getting admitted in a bachelor’s degree course. 
• It can be any Diploma or Bachelor course. Students can also enrol in alternative courses such as a B.BA, BA or MA, etc 
• Students along with their undergraduate courses should focus on developing skills related to this specialization
• Students opting for the master's courses should start their preparation for the CAT test.

Post Graduation Preparation 

• Earning a Masters degree in purchasing field also allows graduates to apply for tenure track teaching positions at colleges and universities alongside Senior Positions in Organization
• The eligibility criteria for MBA is at least 50% minimum aggregate in Bachelor from a recognized college by UGC.
• They also have to qualify CAT entrance tests for admission.
• They should put in much more effort for the CAT Test because every year only 15-20 % of the students are able to clear the entrance test.
• The students must select their specialization according to their strengths and preferences.
• Several colleges tie up with various corporate organizations and conduct internships, assignments through which candidates can achieve real-time experience
• After completion of the UG degree and before opting for a job or higher studies, it would be beneficial if you gain a professional certification along with an internship to secure yourself for a better salary package.

How to become a Purchasing Manager Abroad 

Pursuing management courses abroad to become a Purchasing Manager is one of the most sought after professions, one does not have to worry much about his/her future if they become a Purchasing Manager. The difficulty level of this course is almost similar to what it is in india.

USA 

In the USA, international students can earn a full-time undergraduate and masters degree in management.

• International students must be fluent in English and should submit an English proficiency test score.
• The duration of a Bachelor's Program is about 3 years while masters are of 2 years.
• The course fee is between INR 12 Lakhs to INR 35 Lakhs

Admission Process

• Undergraduate programs applications can be submitted through the Common application portal. Masters course candidates can use the university website for the same
• Register on the website and log in to start application
• Fill up your application form. Submit English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE etc.
• Submit the recommendation letter and statement of purpose. Some programmes require prior work experience, for which relevant documents are required

• Submit your application after paying the application fee.

Educational Requirements 

To pursue management courses in the USA, students need to have a prior 10+2 or bachelor's degree in any stream. Students should have Economics, Accounting etc as one the main subjects at their academic levels.

Other Requirements

• At least 3 GPA out of 4 or equivalent.
• Minimum two reference letter of recommendation from academic professors and
• A valid score in english proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS etc.
• Valid student visa and relevant certificate, etc.

Top Colleges

UK

The United Kingdom has a number of management courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

• Top specialisations are logistics management, Supply Chain Management, Retail management etc.
• The duration of most of the programs ranges from 1 years to 3 year.
• Applications are to be submitted on the website
• The average course fee is between INR 5 to INR 25 lakhs

Admission Process 

• Admission in Undergraduate programs are to be done through the UCAS portal while master's are done through the university website
• Create a profile and start your application process.
• Fill up your application form with all the relevant documents
• Submit the language proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE etc.
• Also upload recommendation letters and work experience, if present. Pay the application fee and submit.

Educational Requirements 

To pursue logistics courses in the UK, students need to have a prior degree in the commerce stream and should be a graduate degree in any relevant stream.

Other Requirements 

• At least two reference letters from academic professors 
• A valid score card in english proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS etc.
• Valid student visa and relevant certificate, etc.

Top Colleges

Australia 

Australia offers full-time Certificate level to Postgraduate degree programmes in Managements.

• International students must submit one English proficiency test score. Accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, OET etc.
• Some programmes require students to have prior work experience in a related field. In such a case, required documents must be submitted with the application.
• The average course fee ranges between INR 10 to INR 35 lakhs.

Admission Process 

• Undergraduate programs applications can be submitted through the application portal. Masters course candidates can use the university website for the same
• Register on the website and log in to start your application process
• Fill up your application form. Submit English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE etc.
• Submit the recommendation letter and statement of purpose. Some programmes require prior work experience, for which relevant documents are required

• Submit your application after paying the application fee.

Educational Requirements 

To pursue a master's program, students should have a prior bachelor’s degree in supply chain with a specialization. Students must study commerce subjects such as economics, accounting, and logistics management at the higher school level.

Other Requirements 

• Minimum two letters of recommendation from academic professors.
• A valid score in english proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS etc
• Valid student visa and relevant certificate, etc.

Top Colleges

Benefits of Career as a Purchasing Manager 

Purchasing Manager is a career that might seem intimidating for the uninitiated. However, there are many benefits in this field. Some of such benefits are as given here.

Salary 

Career as a purchasing manager is a fast-paced and demanding field. However, the pay is decent. The growth opportunities are immense in this domain. The average pay for Purchasing Managers, irrespective of experience, is INR 4 LPA. The highest salary is INR 8 LPA.

Job Security 

When students keep earning experience in any domain, job security is not a problem. Purchasing Managers with an impressive portfolios and years of work experience are in much demand. Students with more than 20 years of experience upwards of INR 8 LPA and more.

Positive Impact 

The job of a Purchasing Manager is quite challenging in itself. This in turn, enables a student to work positively in this profession. The job profile demands regular interactions with clients or consumers, hence improving the overall friendliness and work environment of the Purchasing Manager aspiring student.

Higher Studies 

Material or Supply Chain Management is offered at all levels of education. For those who are working, there are various short term certificate and diploma courses. Full-time degrees include Management courses in supply chain specialisation. The field also has immense research capacity to earn a PhD degree.

Unique Experience 

Students will have a unique and positive experience while pursuing a course as you make the company's products according to you. You learn new skills and new experiences.

Skills Required  to become a Purchasing Manager: 

To become a Purchasing Manager you must hold some useful skills required in this career. The following are some skills for the Purchasing Manager career.

What After Purchasing Manager Courses

Students after completing a course in Material Management or Supply Chain have two major options to choose from, higher education or a job. Both paths have been discussed below.

Higher Education 

Post completing a course in Material Management or Supply Chain, there are higher education courses available. For diploma holders , bachelors courses are available and for bachelors ones there are masters degrees. Some universities also offer research or PhD level degrees in Supply Chain. Higher the educational degree earned, various opportunities will open up in different sectors.

Start Practicing 

The most popular choice for them is to start working. Most graduates from any level of education seek out jobs in the business industry. Entry-level jobs like Inventory or Purchasing Analyst teaching the basics practical aspects of purchasing management. After gaining experience, individuals go on to work as Purchasing Managers.