Purchasing Managers
Medium51.82%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$83,510
Median$136,380
High (90th %)$215,170
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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.
The occupation of "Purchasing Managers" carries an automation risk of 51.8%, which is closely aligned with its base risk of 52.8%. This moderate risk level suggests that many tasks in this role are susceptible to automation, but some key responsibilities still require a human touch. Factors contributing to this risk include the increasing capabilities of AI and software in handling data analysis, document preparation, and transactional work, all of which are central to the purchasing process. Routine and rule-based actions are especially vulnerable as emerging technologies can execute these with greater speed and accuracy. Nevertheless, the managerial and interpersonal aspects of the role provide significant resistance to full automation. The most automatable tasks within this occupation involve actions that are highly structured and reliant on information processing. For instance, "Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures" can be algorithmically streamlined using templates and workflow automation. Similarly, "Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales" is increasingly managed by advanced procurement software that can scan supplier databases and even conduct basic communications. Lastly, "Prepare bid awards requiring board approval" can be automated by digital platforms capable of generating compliant documents and managing approval workflows, thus reducing manual oversight. Despite these efficiencies, several critical responsibilities remain resistant to automation. For example, "Arrange for disposal of surplus materials" often requires practical judgment and logistical coordination that hinges on situational factors. "Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs" involves analysis and inference that frequently exceed current AI’s contextual understanding, especially when dealing with market volatility. Most notably, "Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers" is deeply interpersonal and relies on nuanced communication, trust-building, and creativity—skills that current technology cannot replicate effectively. The bottleneck skills for automation in this role are centered on originality, with actual automation levels at just 3.5% to 3.8%. This underscores that while automated systems can handle rules and patterns, they lack the capacity for the innovative thinking and complex negotiation essential to effective purchasing management.
Filter by Automatable Status
Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
Partially Automatable
Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
Partially Automatable
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
Partially Automatable
Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
Partially Automatable
Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
Partially Automatable
Administer online purchasing systems.
Partially Automatable
Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
Partially Automatable
Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
Partially Automatable
Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.
Partially Automatable
Control purchasing department budgets.
Partially Automatable
Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
Partially Automatable
Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials.
Partially Automatable
Maintain records of goods ordered and received.
Automatable
Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
Partially Automatable
Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs.
Partially Automatable
Arrange for disposal of surplus materials.
Partially Automatable
Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
Partially Automatable
Resolve vendor or contractor grievances and claims against suppliers.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningScienceCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationWritingSpeakingMathematicsActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Computers and ElectronicsAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesFood ProductionEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEducation and TrainingMathematicsPhysicsChemistryLaw and GovernmentPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyAdministration and ManagementProduction and Processing
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyGetting Information
Automated purchase order softwareBowen & Groves M1 ERPCorel ParadoxEpicor Vantage ERPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordOracle PeopleSoftSAP softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft VisioNetSuite ERPOracle DatabaseOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneOracle PeopleSoft FinancialsPoint of sale POS softwareQlik Tech QlikViewScheduling softwareIBM Lotus NotesMaterials requirement planning MRP softwareOracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Portfolio Project ManagementPurchasing softwarePurchasingNet eProcurementSAP AribaMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft SharePointOracle PeopleSoftInventory management softwareWeb browser softwareDatabase softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft VisioOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneOracle PeopleSoft FinancialsPoint of sale POS softwareQlik Tech QlikViewIBM Lotus NotesSAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsMicrosoft ExcelSAP softwareAutomated purchase order softwareBowen & Groves M1 ERPCorel ParadoxEpicor Vantage ERPPurchasing softwarePurchasingNet eProcurementSAP AribaInfor Lawson Supply Chain ManagementOracle PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial Management SolutionsScheduling softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareDatabase softwareInventory management softwareNetSuite ERPSAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsMaterials requirement planning MRP softwareOracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Portfolio Project ManagementInfor Lawson Supply Chain ManagementOracle PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial Management SolutionsBottomline Technologies Bottomline Sprinter Purchasing ManagerBottomline Technologies Bottomline Sprinter Purchasing ManagerMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ProjectOracle DatabaseEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser software
General and Operations Managers
Medium47.73%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Marketing Managers
Medium51.50%
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Sales Managers
Medium40.40%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Administrative Services Managers
Medium45.13%
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Industrial Production Managers
Medium50.29%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Medium54.11%
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
Supply Chain Managers
Medium53.29%
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Medium59.51%
Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Medium55.39%
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Medium49.25%
Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
Logisticians
Medium47.96%
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Logistics Engineers
Medium48.28%
Design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.
Logistics Analysts
Medium64.20%
Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing.
Management Analysts
Medium51.36%
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Business Intelligence Analysts
Medium52.10%
Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
Medium51.95%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Medium63.33%
Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
Medium52.67%
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
Procurement Clerks
High71.53%
Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Medium65.33%
Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Medium42.51%
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Medium45.64%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
Customs Brokers
Medium58.90%
Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.
Online Merchants
High68.87%
Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
Medium58.11%
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Medium64.30%
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
Order Clerks
High80.71%
Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.