Materials program manager vs purchasing manager

The differences between materials program managers and purchasing managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a materials program manager and a purchasing manager. Additionally, a materials program manager has an average salary of $113,011, which is higher than the $98,118 average annual salary of a purchasing manager.

The top three skills for a materials program manager include supply chain, program management and supplier management. The most important skills for a purchasing manager are supply chain, strategic sourcing, and project management.

Materials program manager vs purchasing manager overview

	Materials Program Manager	Purchasing Manager
Yearly salary	$113,011	$98,118
Hourly rate	$54.33	$47.17
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	89,404	30,430
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	6	6

What does a materials program manager do?

In the manufacturing industry, a materials program manager oversees a company's supply chain operations to ensure the quality and efficient delivery of materials needed to manufacture goods. Among their responsibilities include managing different teams, setting goals and timelines, liaising with internal and external parties, building positive relationships with suppliers and distributors, and developing strategies to optimize program operations. They must also address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Moreover, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a purchasing manager do?

A purchasing manager is responsible for organizing and managing products to order or sell. Purchasing managers review product specifications, negotiate pricing details with the vendors, evaluate and choose the best suppliers, and assist purchasing agents. Purchase managers are also responsible for resolving order processing issues and analyzing current market trends to determine which products to purchase. A purchasing manager must have excellent decision-making and strategical skills to examine effects, inspect defective items, and create an in-depth analysis of customers' needs to improve their performance and sales.

Materials program manager vs purchasing manager salary

Materials program managers and purchasing managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Materials Program Manager	Purchasing Manager
Average salary	$113,011	$98,118
Salary range	Between $83,000 And $152,000	Between $70,000 And $136,000
Highest paying City	Palo Alto, CA	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	California	Maine
Best paying company	Meta	McKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Technology

Differences between materials program manager and purchasing manager education

There are a few differences between a materials program manager and a purchasing manager in terms of educational background:

	Materials Program Manager	Purchasing Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Materials program manager vs purchasing manager demographics

Here are the differences between materials program managers' and purchasing managers' demographics:

	Materials Program Manager	Purchasing Manager
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%	Male, 67.0% Female, 33.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 7.5% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 7.5% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between materials program manager and purchasing manager duties and responsibilities

Materials program manager example responsibilities.

Manage key commodities such as displays, camera modules and sensors, batteries and other components.
Manage and develop multimillion-dollar programs as capture lead for DoD subcontracts and project submissions.
Negotiate and manage contracts for domestic, international transportation custom brokers, freight forwarders and other logistics services.
Manage implementation of referrals, coordinate assignment of new physicians and create support network for transitioning patients during clinic closure.
Lead and implement direct ship project for OEM customers.
Utilize BaaN ERP system to perform both new product and sustainment product master scheduling.

Purchasing manager example responsibilities.

Manage payroll and accounts payable.
Lead major purchasing projects for automotive OEM vehicles.
Used RFI, RFP, RFQ techniques to identify, select, and engage with suppliers to ensure competitive market advantage.
Establish an integrate MRO supply program which eliminate specific company manage buying, inventory control and warehousing functions.
Manage all procurement activities to support manufacturing operations including raw materials, tooling, components and MRO services.
Manage several indirect sourcing RFP projects including categories for translation services, payroll services, capital equipment and engineering services.

Materials program manager vs purchasing manager skills

Common materials program manager skills

Supply Chain, 15%
Program Management, 8%
Supplier Management, 6%
Chain Management, 6%
Sigma, 5%
MRP, 5%

Common purchasing manager skills

Supply Chain, 15%
Strategic Sourcing, 7%
Project Management, 5%
Supplier Performance, 5%
Continuous Improvement, 4%
Purchase Orders, 4%

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Materials Program Manager
Materials Program Manager vs Purchasing Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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