Buyers, Purchasing Officers & Managers

Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.

Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents. (Occupational Outlook Handbook). Both purchasing managers and agents are employed throughout the public and private sectors (National Occupational Classification). 

Purchasing or procurement is a part of logistics and the supply chain process. This page includes information about buyers and purchasing and acquisitions specialists across a range of fields, from manufacturing to fashion to disaster relief.

Occupational profile

Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:

Education

The employment requirements for a Purchasing Officer is usually post-secondary education in business, economics or a field related to a specialized product. Prior experience as a purchasing or administrative clerk may be required, along with a relevant professional designation.  Buyers are usually required to have post-secondary education in business, marketing or a related area, along with work experience in retail or wholesale establishments. (National Occupational Classification). 

U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.

Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.

Exploring Other Education Options

Information for foreign-trained professionals - Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials

Labour market information

Labour market information (LMI) informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts. 

Resources

Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network! 

Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring. Note: the list below is limited and does not represent the wide range of private companies, public sector departments and non-profit organizations that employ purchasing specialists.  

Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards. 

Other links

These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience: 

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Last updated: April 26, 2021