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O*NET-SOC 11-3061.00

Purchasing Managers

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.Core1027
  2. Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.Core1021
  3. Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.Core1033
  4. Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.Core1032
  5. Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.Core1025
  6. Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.Core1031
  7. Administer online purchasing systems.Core1035
  8. Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.Core1022
  9. Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.Core1024
  10. Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.Core21039
  11. Control purchasing department budgets.Core1023
  12. Resolve vendor or contractor grievances and claims against suppliers.Core1029
  13. Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.Core1026
  14. Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials.Core1028
  15. Maintain records of goods ordered and received.Core1020
  16. Represent companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.Core1030
  17. Prepare reports regarding market conditions and merchandise costs.Core1034
  18. Arrange for disposal of surplus materials.Core1036

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 34 examples in 17 categories, 12 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Procurement software

  • Automated purchase order software
  • Bottomline Technologies Bottomline Sprinter Purchasing Manager
  • Purchasing softwareIn Demand
  • PurchasingNet eProcurement
  • SAP Ariba

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Bowen & Groves M1 ERP
  • Epicor Vantage ERP
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • NetSuite ERP
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Oracle PeopleSoftHot Technology
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
  • SAP softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Data base user interface and query software

  • Corel Paradox
  • Database software
  • Microsoft AccessHot Technology
  • Oracle DatabaseHot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Microsoft OutlookHot TechnologyIn Demand

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  • Infor Lawson Supply Chain Management
  • Materials requirement planning MRP software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPointHot TechnologyIn Demand

Project management software

  • Microsoft ProjectHot Technology
  • Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Portfolio Project Management

Document management software

  • Microsoft SharePointHot Technology

Process mapping and design software

  • Microsoft VisioHot Technology

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Financial analysis software

  • Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial Management Solutions

Business intelligence and data analysis software

  • Qlik Tech QlikView

Data base reporting software

  • SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports

Calendar and scheduling software

  • Scheduling software

Internet browser software

  • Web browser software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

  • Interview employees, customers, or others to collect information.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Processing Information

  • Verify information or specifications.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

  • Examine financial records to ensure compliance with policies or regulations.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

  • Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Analyze data to assess operational or project effectiveness.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

  • Approve expenditures.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Implement organizational process or policy changes.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Implement transportation changes to reduce environmental impact.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Developing Objectives and Strategies

  • Develop organizational policies or programs.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Scheduling Work and Activities

  • Schedule product or material transportation.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

  • Develop specifications for new products or processes.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

  • Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Maintain operational records.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Prepare forms or applications.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

  • Negotiate sales or lease agreements for products or services.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Resolve employee or contractor problems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

  • Coordinate with external parties to exchange information.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

  • Conduct employee training programs.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

  • Supervise employees.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Direct financial operations.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Prepare operational budgets.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Staffing Organizational Units

  • Hire personnel.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 23
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.