How Do I Become a Global Purchasing Manager?

A global purchasing manager is responsible for negotiating contracts to acquire goods on behalf of a wholesaler, retailer, service company or other type of entity that operates within many different nations. Someone wishing to become a global purchasing manager must spend some time working in junior regionally based procurement roles before transitioning into this job. Additionally, most employers require applicants for these roles to have completed college degree programs.

Having successfully graduated from high school, someone wishing to become a global purchasing manager must typically enroll in a college degree program and study a topic such as business administration or management. Some companies prefer to hire managers who have also finished postgraduate degree programs in the same types of subjects. Additionally, people working in these roles are employed by pharmaceutical firms, energy conglomerates and various other types of entities, in which case someone wishing to become a global purchasing manager may also have to complete a degree course in engineering, chemistry or another industry related subject. Some industry associations offer certification classes for managers and completing one of these programs may improve job prospects.

Major companies employ large numbers of people in the procurement department and many firms prefer to promote from within which means that someone wishing to become a procurement manager may have to start off as a clerk or administrator. People in these roles assist more experienced department employees who actually negotiate deals with suppliers and manufacturers. Over the course of time, an assistant or administrator who performs well may be able to take on a negotiator role and eventually become a regional manager. Prior to assuming control of global operations, an individual must typically preside over purchasing operations within a large geographic area such as a nation or even a continent.

Global purchasing managers have to liaise with employees and business partners located in various parts of the world. For logistical reasons, someone wishing to become a global purchasing manager may benefit from having second language skills. Some people working in these roles have completed language degree programs while others attend a series of short-term training courses during which they learn how to communicate to some extent in a number of different dialects.

Aside from academic and professional credentials, people employed in these roles need to have certain character attributes and skills. Some employers prefer to hire managers with a background in law, since these individuals have some experience with negotiating complex contracts and ensuring that such deals comply with international laws. As a manager, someone working in one of these roles must have strong leadership and good interpersonal skills in order to motivate and coach a team of employees. Additionally, these senior company figures may have to present the firm at conventions, shareholder meetings and other events in which case managers must have good organizational and presentation skills.