Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Purchasing Manager
What purchasing managers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a purchasing manager?
Review open purchase orders. From there, the day usually includes lead buyers and purchasing agents, set sourcing strategy, and negotiate major contracts. Full time, with some travel.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a purchasing manager working full time.
- Review open purchase orders.
- Meet the buying team.
- Negotiate a supplier contract.
- Review supplier scorecards.
- Plan a bid event.
- Meet engineering on a new part.
- Report savings to finance.
Where purchasing managers work
Purchasing managers work in offices and visit suppliers.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with some travel.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Lead buyers and purchasing agents
- Set sourcing strategy
- Negotiate major contracts
- Manage supplier performance
- Reduce costs
- Manage supply risk
- Set purchasing policies
Tools you’ll use every day
- ERP systems
- E-sourcing platforms
- Contract management software
- Spend analytics
- Supplier portals
- Spreadsheets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay
- Negotiation as a core skill
- Strategic role
- Every industry buys
What’s hard
- Supply disruptions
- Cost pressure
- Many stakeholders
- Travel
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like negotiating
- I’m good with numbers
- I like building supplier relationships
- I can handle disruptions
- I want strategic work
- I value integrity
Not sure? Take the free Purchasing Manager fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow ethics and anti-bribery rules
- Check supplier safety and compliance
- Protect confidential bids
- Follow public procurement law