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The differences between directors of supply chain management and directors of purchasing can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a director of supply chain management and a director of purchasing. Additionally, a director of supply chain management has an average salary of $131,875, which is higher than the $106,945 average annual salary of a director of purchasing.
The top three skills for a director of supply chain management include supply chain, logistics and chain management. The most important skills for a director of purchasing are supply chain, purchase orders, and product development.
| Director Of Supply Chain Management | Director Of Purchasing | |
| Yearly salary | $131,875 | $106,945 |
| Hourly rate | $63.40 | $51.42 |
| Growth rate | - | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 91,983 | 17,847 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A supply chain management director is responsible for overseeing the supply chain management operations by managing the distribution process and material delivery. Supply chain management directors coordinate with the suppliers and vendors to negotiate contracts and conditions, monitor the production deadline, confirm shipment details, and resolve distribution delays. They also conduct data and statistical analysis to identify methodologies that would increase the staff's productivity and efficiency. A supply chain management director analyzes financial transactions, manage cost-reduction expenses, and discuss production reports to the senior management.
A director of purchasing oversees the procedures related to buying resources and supplies, directing operations from planning to execution while adhering to standards and company policies. They primarily perform research and assessments to understand project needs in terms of price, quality, and delivery time. They also identify ideal suppliers, negotiate deals, and build positive business relationships. Additionally, a director of purchasing has the authority to make significant decisions, delegate responsibilities among staff, oversee employment procedures within the department, and solve issues and concerns when any arise.
Directors of supply chain management and directors of purchasing have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Director Of Supply Chain Management | Director Of Purchasing | |
| Average salary | $131,875 | $106,945 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $184,000 | Between $68,000 And $166,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Mateo, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Rivian |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a director of supply chain management and a director of purchasing in terms of educational background:
| Director Of Supply Chain Management | Director Of Purchasing | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between directors of supply chain management' and directors of purchasing' demographics:
| Director Of Supply Chain Management | Director Of Purchasing | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0% | Male, 75.1% Female, 24.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 7.5% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 11% |