Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSalaryResumeSkillsWhat They DoEducationCertificationsDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesBest StatesBest CitiesRemote JobsJob Outlook

Compare

FAQsPart Time jobsEntry Level jobsFull Time jobsWork From Home jobsLocationsCover Letter

Purchasing manager vs material manager

The differences between purchasing managers and material 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 purchasing manager and a material manager. Additionally, a purchasing manager has an average salary of $98,118, which is higher than the $96,125 average annual salary of a material manager.

The top three skills for a purchasing manager include supply chain, strategic sourcing and project management. The most important skills for a material manager are supply chain, logistics, and customer service.

Purchasing manager vs material manager overview

Purchasing ManagerMaterial Manager
Yearly salary$98,118$96,125
Hourly rate$47.17$46.21
Growth rate-6%-6%
Number of jobs30,43043,759
Job satisfaction44
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

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.

What does a material manager do?

A material manager is responsible for monitoring inventories and stock supplies, ensuring the adequacy of materials needed for manufacturing or other operations, depending on the organization's industry. Material managers meet with suppliers and third-party vendors, negotiating contracts that would fit the budget goals of the company without compromising quality. They manage the distribution of resources throughout the organizations' department and provide purchase reports for the management. A material manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to address the needs of an organization for smooth operations.

Purchasing manager vs material manager salary

Purchasing managers and material managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Purchasing ManagerMaterial Manager
Average salary$98,118$96,125
Salary rangeBetween $70,000 And $136,000Between $72,000 And $126,000
Highest paying CityRichmond, CAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateMaineCalifornia
Best paying companyMcKinsey & Company IncMeta
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between purchasing manager and material manager education

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

Purchasing ManagerMaterial Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Purchasing manager vs material manager demographics

Here are the differences between purchasing managers' and material managers' demographics:

Purchasing ManagerMaterial Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 67.0% Female, 33.0%Male, 77.7% Female, 22.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.0% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 7.4% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between purchasing manager and material manager duties and responsibilities

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.
    • Show more

Material manager example responsibilities.

  • Implement vendor manage inventory (VMI) programs with three key suppliers.
  • Improve cash flow and increase OTD through the introduction of vendor consignment and vendor manage inventory programs.
  • Identify optimal purchasing periods for conducting RFQ's in order to take advantage of peak supply periods.
  • Expedite and project manage materials, heavy contact with vendors and clients to coordinate shipments of materials.
  • Manage forecasts, orders, and inventory levels via EDI and customer portals to meet OEM demand.
  • Manage OEM inventory to meet warranty and customer requirements.
    • Show more

Purchasing manager vs material manager skills

Common purchasing manager skills
  • Supply Chain, 15%
  • Strategic Sourcing, 7%
  • Project Management, 5%
  • Supplier Performance, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 4%
  • Purchase Orders, 4%
Common material manager skills
  • Supply Chain, 12%
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Inventory Control, 5%
  • Materials Management, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%

Purchasing Manager vs. similar jobs

Purchasing Manager related careers

Purchasing Manager related jobs

Purchasing Manager jobs by location

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse executive management jobs