- Description
- Work Activities
- Abilities
- Interests
- Knowledge
- Wages
- Skills
- Work Values
- Work Styles
- Related Degrees
- Work Context
- Task Ratings
- Education
Job Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
Purchasing Managers spend a lot of their time Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others. They are naturally good at Oral Comprehension, Oral Expression, Deductive Reasoning, and Written Expression. Purchasing Managers are typically characterized as being Enterprising and Conventional. They are usually very knowledgable about Administration and Management, Production and Processing, and Mathematics and are skilled at Management of Financial Resources and Negotiation.
Work Activities
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
Coaching and Developing Others
Getting Information
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Scheduling Work and Activities
Analyzing Data or Information
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Selling or Influencing Others
Staffing Organizational Units
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Developing and Building Teams
Thinking Creatively
Processing Information
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Training and Teaching Others
Performing Administrative Activities
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Interacting With Computers
Documenting/Recording Information
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Assisting and Caring for Others
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Performing General Physical Activities
Handling and Moving Objects
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Controlling Machines and Processes
Abilities
Oral Comprehension
Oral Expression
Deductive Reasoning
Written Expression
Written Comprehension
Category Flexibility
Fluency of Ideas
Speech Recognition
Near Vision
Problem Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Originality
Mathematical Reasoning
Information Ordering
Inductive Reasoning
Number Facility
Perceptual Speed
Far Vision
Memorization
Selective Attention
Flexibility of Closure
Visualization
Speed of Closure
Time Sharing
Auditory Attention
Finger Dexterity
Visual Color Discrimination
Hearing Sensitivity
Depth Perception
Interests
Enterprising
Conventional
Realistic
Social
Investigative
Artistic
Knowledge
Administration and Management
Production and Processing
Mathematics
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Clerical
Personnel and Human Resources
Computers and Electronics
Transportation
Economics and Accounting
Law and Government
Engineering and Technology
Psychology
Sales and Marketing
Education and Training
Design
Geography
Mechanical
Communications and Media
Building and Construction
Public Safety and Security
Chemistry
Sociology and Anthropology
Foreign Language
Telecommunications
Philosophy and Theology
Physics
Biology
History and Archeology
Wages
District of Columbia
$124,520
New Jersey
$118,470
Maryland
$115,720
Colorado
$114,140
Virginia
$112,220
Delaware
$108,670
New York
$105,900
Massachusetts
$103,610
Texas
$102,290
Georgia
$101,080
Rhode Island
$101,070
California
$101,030
Pennsylvania
$99,930
Minnesota
$98,900
Florida
$98,290
New Hampshire
$97,210
Washington
$96,480
Nevada
$94,910
Missouri
$94,250
North Carolina
$94,220
Alabama
$92,990
Ohio
$90,930
South Dakota
$90,790
Connecticut
$90,750
Arizona
$90,510
Alaska
$90,320
Michigan
$89,370
Vermont
$85,040
Utah
$84,910
North Dakota
$83,140
Wisconsin
$82,970
Indiana
$82,460
South Carolina
$82,000
West Virginia
$81,370
Kansas
$80,840
Oregon
$80,620
Illinois
$80,340
Nebraska
$78,640
Iowa
$78,140
New Mexico
$76,500
Maine
$75,660
Arkansas
$75,310
Idaho
$74,880
Kentucky
$73,600
Wyoming
$73,520
Hawaii
$70,490
Mississippi
$68,960
Tennessee
$68,370
Oklahoma
$66,240
Louisiana
$64,820
Montana
$60,930
Virgin Islands
$54,490
Puerto Rico
$54,080
Guam
$38,150
Skills
Management of Financial Resources
Negotiation
Persuasion
Management of Personnel Resources
Coordination
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Active Learning
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing
Judgment and Decision Making
Management of Material Resources
Time Management
Learning Strategies
Systems Evaluation
Systems Analysis
Service Orientation
Instructing
Mathematics
Complex Problem Solving
Quality Control Analysis
Operations Analysis
Operation Monitoring
Troubleshooting
Programming
Technology Design
Science
Work Values
Working Conditions
Support
Independence
Recognition
Achievement
Relationships
Work Styles
Integrity
Dependability
Self Control
Initiative
Stress Tolerance
Analytical Thinking
Adaptability/Flexibility
Leadership
Cooperation
Persistence
Attention to Detail
Achievement/Effort
Independence
Social Orientation
Innovation
Concern for Others
Related University Degree Programs
Work Context
Telephone
Electronic Mail
Face-to-Face Discussions
Contact With Others
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
Freedom to Make Decisions
Work With Work Group or Team
Spend Time Sitting
Frequency of Decision Making
Structured versus Unstructured Work
Time Pressure
Letters and Memos
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Coordinate or Lead Others
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Level of Competition
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
Deal With External Customers
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Consequence of Error
Duration of Typical Work Week
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Degree of Automation
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
Public Speaking
Physical Proximity
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Spend Time Standing
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Spend Time Walking and Running
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Exposed to Contaminants
Work Schedules
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Outdoors, Under Cover
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Exposed to High Places
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Exposed to Radiation
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
-40 hours-
Duration of Typical Work Week
-A lot of freedom-
Freedom to Make Decisions
Structured versus Unstructured Work
-About half the time-
Spend Time Sitting
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Spend Time Walking and Running
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
-Completely automated-
Degree of Automation
-Constant contact with others-
Contact With Others
-Contact with others about half the time-
Contact With Others
-Contact with others most of the time-
Contact With Others
-Continually or almost continually-
Spend Time Sitting
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Spend Time Walking and Running
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
-Every day-
Telephone
Electronic Mail
Face-to-Face Discussions
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Frequency of Decision Making
Time Pressure
Letters and Memos
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Exposed to Contaminants
Exposed to High Places
Outdoors, Under Cover
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Exposed to Radiation
Public Speaking
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
-Extremely competitive-
Level of Competition
-Extremely important-
Work With Work Group or Team
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Coordinate or Lead Others
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Deal With External Customers
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
-Extremely serious-
Consequence of Error
-Fairly important-
Deal With External Customers
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Work With Work Group or Team
Coordinate or Lead Others
-Fairly serious-
Consequence of Error
-High responsibility-
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
-Highly automated-
Degree of Automation
-Highly competitive-
Level of Competition
-I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)-
Physical Proximity
-I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)-
Physical Proximity
-Important-
Coordinate or Lead Others
Deal With External Customers
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Work With Work Group or Team
-Important results-
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
-Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)-
Work Schedules
-Less than 40 hours-
Duration of Typical Work Week
-Less than half the time-
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Walking and Running
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Spend Time Sitting
-Limited freedom-
Structured versus Unstructured Work
Freedom to Make Decisions
-Limited responsibility-
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
-Minor results-
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
-Moderate responsibility-
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
-Moderate results-
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
-Moderately automated-
Degree of Automation
-Moderately close (at arm's length)-
Physical Proximity
-Moderately competitive-
Level of Competition
-More than 40 hours-
Duration of Typical Work Week
-More than half the time-
Spend Time Sitting
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Spend Time Walking and Running
-Never-
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Exposed to Radiation
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Exposed to High Places
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
Outdoors, Under Cover
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Exposed to Contaminants
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Spend Time Walking and Running
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Frequency of Decision Making
Spend Time Standing
Public Speaking
Telephone
Spend Time Sitting
Time Pressure
Face-to-Face Discussions
Electronic Mail
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Letters and Memos
-No contact with others-
Contact With Others
-No freedom-
Structured versus Unstructured Work
Freedom to Make Decisions
-No responsibility-
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
-No results-
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
-Not at all automated-
Degree of Automation
-Not at all competitive-
Level of Competition
-Not important at all-
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Deal With External Customers
Coordinate or Lead Others
Work With Work Group or Team
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
-Not serious at all-
Consequence of Error
-Occasional contact with others-
Contact With Others
-Once a month or more but not every week-
Public Speaking
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Time Pressure
Letters and Memos
Frequency of Decision Making
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Exposed to Contaminants
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Exposed to High Places
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Electronic Mail
Outdoors, Under Cover
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Exposed to Radiation
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Telephone
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Face-to-Face Discussions
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
-Once a week or more but not every day-
Letters and Memos
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Time Pressure
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Frequency of Decision Making
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Face-to-Face Discussions
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Public Speaking
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Telephone
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Exposed to Contaminants
Exposed to High Places
Electronic Mail
Outdoors, Under Cover
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Exposed to Radiation
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
-Once a year or more but not every month-
Public Speaking
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Outdoors, Under Cover
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Exposed to Contaminants
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Exposed to High Places
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Radiation
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Letters and Memos
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Time Pressure
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Face-to-Face Discussions
Frequency of Decision Making
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Electronic Mail
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Telephone
-Regular (established routine, set schedule)-
Work Schedules
-Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)-
Work Schedules
-Serious-
Consequence of Error
-Slightly automated-
Degree of Automation
-Slightly close (e.g., shared office)-
Physical Proximity
-Slightly competitive-
Level of Competition
-Some freedom-
Structured versus Unstructured Work
Freedom to Make Decisions
-Very close (near touching)-
Physical Proximity
-Very high responsibility-
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
-Very important-
Work With Work Group or Team
Deal With External Customers
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Coordinate or Lead Others
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
-Very important results-
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
-Very little freedom-
Structured versus Unstructured Work
Freedom to Make Decisions
-Very serious-
Consequence of Error
Task Ratings
Education Training Experience
-On-Site or In-Plant Training-
None
Up to and including 1 month
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years
-On-the-Job Training-
None or short demonstration
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years
-Related Work Experience-
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Over 10 years
-Required Level of Education-
Some College Courses
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Bachelor's Degree
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
Master's Degree