How to become a purchasing manager
Official title: Purchasing managers
Also called: Contract manager, Material manager, Purchasing chief, Equipment manager, Purchasing manager, Procurement manager, Purchasing director, Supply chain manager, Food purchasing manager, Food purchasing director, Category purchasing manager, Clothing purchasing manager
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 are employed throughout the public and private sectors.
Main tasks
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the purchasing activities of an establishment
- 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 or oversee the negotiation of 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
How to become one
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce or economics is usually required. Purchasing managers responsible for units purchasing specialized materials or business services may require a related degree or diploma. For example, a bachelor's degree or college diploma in engineering may be required for purchasing managers responsible for purchasing 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.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $109,415 a year The middle half earn $90,753 to $135,935.
- About 20,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 22,800 are projected by 2033. (+14%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a purchasing manager?
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce or economics is usually required. Purchasing managers responsible for units purchasing specialized materials or business services may require a related degree or diploma. For example, a bachelor's degree or college diploma in engineering may be required for purchasing managers responsible for purchasing 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.
How much does a purchasing manager earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $109,415 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $90,753 to $135,935.
Is a purchasing manager a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2033, from about 20,000 to about 22,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a purchasing manager?
Not always. 52% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03