Materials Manager vs. Purchasing Manager: What Are the Differences?

A materials manager and purchasing manager are both responsible for the procurement of supplies for their respective organizations. While their duties may overlap, there are key differences between these two management positions. In this article, we compare and contrast the job duties, educational requirements and salary expectations for materials managers and purchasing managers.

What is a Materials Manager?

Materials Managers are responsible for the efficient and effective management of all materials within a company. This includes raw materials, parts, components, and finished goods. They work to ensure that materials are available when needed and that they are of the correct quality. Materials Managers also develop and implement systems and procedures for the storage, handling, and shipping of materials. They may also be responsible for negotiating contracts with suppliers and managing the budget for materials purchases.

What is a Purchasing Manager?

Purchasing Managers are responsible for the procurement of goods and services for their company. They work with suppliers to negotiate contracts, set pricing and arrange for delivery of goods. Purchasing Managers also develop and implement purchasing policies and procedures for their company. They work with other departments within their company to understand their product needs and ensure that the products or services they purchase meet those needs. Purchasing Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, economics or a related field.

Materials Manager vs. Purchasing Manager

Here are the main differences between a materials manager and a purchasing manager.

Job Duties

Both materials managers and purchasing managers are responsible for managing the flow of materials within their organization. However, their duties differ because purchasing managers focus on finding new materials to purchase while materials managers focus on ensuring that the materials already purchased are properly used. For example, a materials manager might be responsible for making sure employees have the tools and equipment they need to complete their work. This means they might evaluate the current materials before purchasing new ones or make adjustments to ensure efficiency. A purchasing manager might search for new suppliers or companies to purchase materials from based on the needs of their organization.

Job Requirements

Materials managers and purchasing managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many materials managers and purchasing managers pursue certifications through the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) or the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use purchasing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Materials managers typically work in manufacturing facilities, where they oversee the production of goods. They may also travel to different locations to ensure that their materials are being used correctly and efficiently. Purchasing managers usually work in offices or other business settings, such as retail stores. They may spend most of their time at a desk reviewing purchase orders and communicating with vendors.

Skills

Both materials managers and purchasing managers use similar skills, such as negotiation, communication and organization. They also both need to have an understanding of business concepts and principles. However, their job responsibilities differ, which can require different skill sets.

Materials managers typically are responsible for overseeing the inventory of a company. This includes keeping track of what materials are needed, ordering new materials and ensuring that there is enough inventory on hand to meet production demands. Because of this, they need to have strong organizational skills and be able to effectively manage and monitor stock levels. They also need to be able to forecast future needs and trends to ensure that the company has the right materials on hand when demand increases.

Purchasing managers are responsible for procuring the materials and supplies that a company needs. This includes negotiating contracts with suppliers, managing relationships with vendors and ensuring that the company is getting the best possible price for the materials it purchases. Purchasing managers also need to be able to effectively manage budgets and understand financial concepts to stay within the company’s budget when making purchasing decisions.

Salary

The average salary for a materials manager is $89,636 per year, while the average salary for a purchasing manager is $85,490 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the manager has.