Purchasing Managers
Description OES Code: 13008
Plan, organize, direct, control, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, or services. Include Wholesale or Retail Trade Merchandising Managers.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $19.52
25th Percentile $22.49
50th Percentile $30.10
75th Percentile $39.78

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $18.44
25th Percentile $21.38
50th Percentile $26.23
75th Percentile $36.23

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
They frequently work more than the standard 40-hour week because of special sales, conferences, or production deadlines. Evening and weekend work also is common. For those working in retail trade, this is especially true prior to holiday and back-to-school seasons. Consequently, many retail firms discourage the use of vacation time during peak periods.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 20,500
Projected Employment 2008 24,100
Percent Change 1998-2008 17.6%
Separations 1998-2008 5,000

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 230
Projected Employment 2006 250
Percent Change 1999-2006 8.7%
Separations 1999-2006 40

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Most purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents work in comfortable, well-lighted offices. Many purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents travel at least several days a month. Purchasers for worldwide manufacturing companies and large retailers, and buyers of high fashion, may travel outside the United States.

Advancement
Because financial management is critical for efficient business operations, well-trained, experienced financial managers who display a strong grasp of the operations of various departments within their organization are prime candidates for promotion to top management positions. Some financial managers transfer to closely related positions in other industries. Those with extensive experience and access to sufficient capital may start their own consulting firms.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Educational programs pertaining to this occupation include those covering General Selling Skills and Sales Operations. These instructional programs prepares individuals to perform the techniques of direct consumer persuasion, involving planned, personalized communications, as agents for a wide variety of industries and productions.

Skills & Other Requirements
The following skills are important for purchasing managers: Apply Interpersonal Communication Techniques; Comprehend, Apply & Communicate Technical Information; Develop Marketing Strategy; Develop Pricing Strategy; Follow/Give Instructions; Keep Records & Maintain Files; Manage Inventories & Supplies; Monitor Consumer & Marketing Trends; Price Merchandise; Provide Customer Service; Recognize/Evaluate Product Quality As Part Of Sales Activities; Understand Sales Contracts; Use Appraisal Techniques When Purchasing Or Trading Merchandise; Use Computer; Use Computer to Organize & Locate Parts & Inventory; Use Inventory Control Procedures; Use Negotiation Techniques As Management Tool; Use Sources Of Supply In Purchasing; Use Spreadsheet Software; Use Word Processing Software; Use Written Communication In Sales Work.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Wholesale & Retail Buyers, Purchasing Agents & Buyers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)