Purchasing Managers
(NOC 0113)
in All ManagementPurchasing 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 work throughout the public and private sectors.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Management
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Purchasing Managers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 79% of Purchasing Managers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $79,834. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$22.79
Minimum$37.63
Median$57.09
MaximumAnnual Pay
$22,185
Minimum$78,098
Median$137,046
MaximumCompared to: All Management
Hourly Pay
$16.70
Minimum$45.17
Median$58.17
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,632
Minimum$55,002
Median$124,014
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 work throughout the public and private sectors.
Job duties
Purchasing managers:
- Manage the purchasing activities of an organization.
- 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 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.
Sample job titles
- contract manager
- material manager
- procurement director
- procurement manager
- purchasing contract manager
- purchasing director
- supply chain logistics manager
- supply chief
Skills
- You need to be organized and able to meet deadlines. You must be analytical, flexible, attentive to detail, and able to make decisions. You need good written and oral communication skills, and you must be able to establish effective working relationships with a variety of people.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce or economics.
- Purchasing managers responsible for units purchasing specialized materials or business services may need a related degree or diploma. For example, a bachelor's degree or college diploma in engineering may be necessary for purchasing managers that purchase industrial products.
- The designation Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) or registration in the educational program of the Supply Chain Management Association may be required.
- Several years of experience as a purchasing agent or officer are required.
Other considerations
- Movement to senior management positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Management
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$76,241 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$80,836 median annual incomeSouthern
$53,762 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$79,374 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Public administration
Wholesale trade
Professional, scientific and technical services
Retail trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Management
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$79,264 median annual incomeBachelor
$84,174 median annual incomeHigh school
$62,913 median annual incomeMaster
$92,777 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Management
Bachelor
$71,875 median annual incomeHigh school
$42,294 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$50,256 median annual incomeMaster
$93,261 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$44,396 median annual incomeEducation & training
Business Administration and Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. They include courses in management theory, human resources management and behaviour, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Various, NS
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
Economics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of the production, conservation and allocation of resources in conditions of scarcity, together with the organizational frameworks related to these processes. They include courses in economic theory, microeconomics and macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, money and banking systems, international economics, quantitative analytical methods, and applications to specific industries and public policy issues.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Engineering - General
University ProgramThese programs prepare individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Professional Designation: Professional designation exists and shows that the holder has met the standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.