We surveyed 2,516 purchasing managers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical purchasing manager. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a purchasing manager?
Low
High
Working as a purchasing manager typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a purchasing manager?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a purchasing manager typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a purchasing manager?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a purchasing manager. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for purchasing managers.
Do purchasing managers work full-time or part-time?
96% of purchasing managers work in full-time roles while 4% work part-time.
Is being a purchasing manager stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst purchasing managers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a purchasing manager?
Low
High
Organization is considered a very important trait for purchasing managers, and is critical to success in the field.
How competitive is the workplace for purchasing managers?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for purchasing managers.
Does being a purchasing manager require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Purchasing managers will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Are purchasing managers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Purchasing managers rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do purchasing managers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Purchasing managers tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a purchasing manager physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a purchasing managers is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are purchasing managers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, purchasing managers tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a purchasing manager require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for purchasing managers, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good purchasing manager require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a purchasing manager.