Purchasing Manager Resume Example
A career as a purchasing manager typically involves negotiating with suppliers and managing supply contracts. A strong resume for purchasing manager applications showcases your skills, experience and achievements and helps you stand out from other candidates. In this article, we'll showcase resume tips and examples that can help you create a professional purchasing manager resume that catches the eye of hiring managers.
The aim of this article is to equip you with all the knowledge required to create a resume that positions you to succeed in your purchasing manager applications. You'll learn how to show employers you've got the relevant qualities, skills and experience for the job, all presented in a format that employers prefer to see. The article also includes tips for formatting your resume according to your experience and strengths. Continue reading to find expert tips and advice from Jobseeker that will help you with your purchasing manager resume.
What to include in a purchasing manager resume
The key sections to include in a purchasing manager resume are similar to those for any role or profession.
A functional or skills-based resume format might be best for applications where you have little or no relevant purchasing manager experience. This layout prioritizes your skills and education sections above your work experience. Soft and transferable skills are often more highly valued by employers for junior roles, so highlight these. Also add any internships, volunteer work or training courses you've undertaken.
For those with some prior experience as a purchasing manager work experience is the most important element of a resume. Use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format to emphasize your career timeline and achievements. Rather than simply listing your responsibilities in each role, show the impact you made and offer evidence that demonstrates the skills and experience listed in the job description.
As a highly experienced candidate, you'll want your purchasing manager resume to showcase your depth of relevant work experience, as well as other achievements. Use a reverse-chronological format and add additional sections to prove you're a strong candidate. Some elements to include in a senior resume for maximum impact might include awards, publications, conference presentations or professional memberships. By adding these sections, it's likely that your resume will be longer than a junior resume.
Your resume layout and structure may differ depending on your experience levels, but make sure your resume includes the following:
Resume Header
In your purchasing manager resume header, list your name, email address, phone number and address or location. You can also add your LinkedIn, if you have one, to help employers better understand your work history and skills. While in some countries, you might include additional personal information or a photo, these aren't necessary. Be aware of the amount of space your resume header takes up. You don't want your contact details to take space away from the main content of your resume, so keep this section as brief as possible.
Make sure your email address appears as professional as possible, and doesn't include anything like nicknames, inappropriate language or personal information. If it does, set up a new email account with an address based on your name or initials, and use that for your job applications. Always double-check your contact details are up-to-date before sending your resume.
Bryan King
bryan.king@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
5150 Maple Drive, Twin Peaks, WA
linkedin․com/in/bryan–king123
Resume Profile
The next section is the resume summary. The section might also be called 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. This is a brief introduction to you, your key skills and your career achievements and ambitions. While a resume summary focuses on your career achievements and experience, a resume objective typically focuses on your ambitions for the future. In addition, your objective should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for purchasing manager roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description.
Alternatively, you could use this section to reference your objectives and ambitions, and how this role would fit into your career journey.
A great resume summary should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for purchasing manager roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description and provide evidence to support them. It should also introduce your personality and unique qualities to the reader, to help them start to form an opinion about you as a candidate. See below for some great examples of what to include in your purchasing manager resume summary.
Good example:
Results-driven Purchasing Manager with a BBA in Supply Chain Management and extensive experience as a Procurement Manager. Skilled in vendor negotiation, strategic sourcing, and inventory management. Proven track record of optimizing procurement processes, reducing costs, and ensuring timely delivery of quality materials. Strong analytical abilities and adept at fostering collaborative supplier relationships to support organizational goals
Bad example:
Worked in purchasing with some background in supply chain. Handled buying and talking to vendors. Tried to make buying things cheaper and faster. Looked at numbers and worked with suppliers to help the company
Alternatively, a poor resume summary would include bland, generic information that does little to prove your suitability for the role, while failing to provide any useful insights on you as a person or as a candidate. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your purchasing manager resume summary.
Work Experience
Under your work experience section, add any jobs you've had in the past that are relevant to the position of a purchasing manager. List each relevant role in reverse-chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. Add your job title, the organization name, its location and the dates you worked there.
Add some bullet points under each job entry, explaining your achievements in the role, so the reader can see how you contributed towards success for the company. Provide evidence of your impact and make sure each point addresses a requirement listed in the job description.
The best resume work experience sections focus only on the most relevant previous jobs, and link each bullet point back to a skill or experience listed in the job description. It's also critical to provide evidence that shows the value you added to each role in a quantifiable way, such as project outcomes, key performance indicators or feedback from customers, colleagues or managers. See the examples below for some ideas of what a great resume work experience looks like.
Good example:
Procurement Manager, January 2022 - Present
Acme Procurement Solutions, Memphis
- Reduced procurement costs by 15% annually through strategic supplier negotiations and bulk purchasing agreements
- Implemented a supplier performance evaluation system, improving on-time delivery rates by 25% and quality compliance by 20%
- Spearheaded a digital transformation project, automating procurement processes and reducing administrative workload by 30%
Bad example:
Procurement Manager, January 2022 - Present
Acme Procurement Solutions, Memphis
- Managed supplier relationships to enhance procurement processes and improve overall efficiency
- Led initiatives to optimize purchasing strategies and drive cost savings
- Developed and implemented procurement policies to streamline operations and support business objectives
Above, you can see a weaker example of a resume work experience section to best avoid. Less effective resume work experience sections might take a more vague, descriptive approach to previous jobs. They focus on responsibilities and everyday duties rather than referencing career achievements and the value you've added for previous employers.
Educational Achievements
Under education, add details of any degrees or professional qualifications relevant to purchasing manager roles.
If you're applying for purchasing manager positions you'll typically need to have a degree. A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) will usually help your chances of success. You could also list any qualifications that demonstrate your ERP software proficiency or supplier relationship management.
List your relevant qualifications in reverse-chronological order. Add the name and level of the award, the institution, its location (if this isn't obvious from the name) and your dates of study. If you have space, include some bullet points outlining any specialist areas of study, awards or high grades, so the employer can learn more about your unique skill set and knowledge.
Membership or leadership of any societies, clubs or causes while studying can also make a positive impression on hiring managers. Consider adding these to your education section for more insight into how you used your time as a student.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Supply Chain Management, 2017 - 2020
Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Hard and Soft Skills
The skills section of a purchasing manager resume is a chance to list any skills you have that match those of the job description. You could include ERP software proficiency, vendor relationship management or any other skills that show you're a suitable candidate. Again, refer to the purchasing manager job description for an indication of the types of skills the employer is looking for, and make sure your skills section reflects these.
How to list hard skills on your purchasing manager resume
For your hard skills list, include any technical abilities or specific industry knowledge that's essential to working as a purchasing manager. These could be skills gained through work experience or qualifications. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in purchasing manager roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. It's best to aim for four or five key hard skills that match the job description. These can really showcase your suitability for the job.
For an effective resume hard skills section, focus on the technical skills that are most essential in the job description, and that match your specific expertise. Some examples of the best hard skills for a purchasing manager resume are listed below.
- Negotiation and procurement
- Supplier relationship management
- ERP software proficiency
Soft skills on your purchasing manager resume
Soft skills are the personal skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the job. They include transferable skills and strengths that help you settle into the role, adapt to new challenges and build effective working relationships. Indeed, without soft skills, you may struggle to adapt to purchasing manager roles or meet the standards expected of you. So make sure you include several key soft skills on your resume. You should generally look to include up to five soft or transferable skills that match the job description.
Your soft skills section should make the most of your unique personal qualities and strengths, while also reflecting the requirements laid out in the job description. See below for some examples of useful soft skills for a purchasing manager resume.
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Vendor relationship management
- Analytical problem solving
Certifications and Training
Your certifications section is the place to mention any relevant professional purchasing manager certifications, licenses or qualifications. These could be official licenses required for the job or certifications that improve your employability. Therefore, add any professional licenses or certifications, along with valid dates that show they're still valid.
Read on to see some relevant example certifications for a purchasing manager resume:
- CPSM Certification, 2022
- CPP Certification, 2022
- CSCP Certification, 2022
Jobseeker Tip:
Optional Sections
To provide further information on your suitability for the role, you could add some optional sections to a purchasing manager resume. Add any of the sections below that help you showcase your key skills and experience.
Hobbies
Including your hobbies and interests can be a valuable way of showing your key skills and qualities. Hobbies can help you show different sides of your personality and make your resume more memorable to hiring managers. They're ideal to include if you're a junior candidate who might lack real world purchasing manager experience. Only include hobbies and interests that showcase your personality and personal qualities, and add something different to your application.
Volunteer Work
Adding voluntary roles can be a useful way of showing relevant experience and skills for purchasing manager roles beyond your main employment history. Add your volunteer job title or role, the name of the organization, its location and the dates you were involved.
References
References aren't a standard purchasing manager resume section, but employers do sometimes ask for them. Check the job advert and only include them if requested. Be sure to prepare your referees in advance, so they've agreed to provide a reference and are ready to be contacted.
References will be available upon request.
Best action words for your purchasing manager resume
Start each bullet point in your work experience section with a strong verb to show actions you took. Choose from the list of words below to increase the impact of your work experience section.
- Negotiated
- Sourced
- Procured
- Coordinated
- Analyzed
- Optimized
- Managed
- Liaised
- Strategized
- Implemented
If you want to create a resume that stands out from the crowd, use Jobseeker's expert-designed resume templates. You can also find cover letter templates that work to get you noticed by employers.
Sample purchasing manager resume
The purchasing manager resume example below includes all the sections above, so you can see how a completed resume looks:
5150 Maple Drive, Twin Peaks, WA
•
bryan.king@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/bryan–king123
Results-driven Purchasing Manager with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and extensive experience as a Procurement Manager. Proven track record in optimizing supply chain operations, reducing costs, and negotiating favorable terms with suppliers. Adept at strategic planning, inventory management, and fostering strong vendor relationships to ensure timely and efficient procurement of quality materials. Proficient in leveraging data analytics and market insights to make informed purchasing decisions and drive business growth. Strong leadership skills with a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
Procurement Manager
2020
-2022
Global Sourcing Solutions, Inc (Louisville)
- Reduced procurement costs by 15% annually through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations, saving the company $2 million
- Implemented a digital procurement system, increasing efficiency by 30% and reducing procurement cycle time by 25%
- Developed and executed a supplier diversity program, resulting in a 20% increase in contracts awarded to minority-owned businesses
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
2017
-2020
George Washington University (Washington, D.C)
Negotiation and procurement
Supplier relationship management
ERP software proficiency
Negotiation and persuasion
Vendor relationship management
Analytical problem solving
CPSM Certification
CPP Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Do's and don'ts of a purchasing manager resume
Key tips to help you craft a strong resume
- Quantify your achievements and show evidence of how you've used your skills to bring positive outcomes in your career to date.
- Make your purchasing manager resume short and to-the-point. A length of one page is ideal for junior roles, while two is acceptable for senior applications.
- Showcase your key purchasing manager qualities with a strong resume summary or objective to catch the attention of the reader.
- Add each relevant job in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent position and working back from there.
- Showcase your key skills throughout your resume, as well as in your dedicated skills list, with each skill reflecting the job description.
Keep away from these common resume mistakes
- Don't fill your resume with unnecessary details. Focus everything on showing you're right for the job.
- Don't use passive language because it can switch off the reader. Adapt phrases like 'the work was completed' to 'I completed the work'.
- Don't use old contact information and always review your resume header to make sure it contains the latest information.
- Don't include hobbies unless they help you prove a skill or experience that's necessary for the job.
- Don't write any unnecessary personal details on your resume. Details such as age, gender or nationality can lead to unintentional recruitment bias.
Making an ATS-friendly resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to streamline their hiring process. They can store and process data, including applications and applicant data, quickly and efficiently. One of the jobs ATS applications are increasingly responsible for is initial candidate screening. The systems can quickly scan and rank resumes based on how closely they match the job description. If you follow a few simple tips when writing your purchasing manager resume, you'll give yourself a better chance of ranking highly in the ATS screening and progressing to the next stage.
Here a some simple tips to follow for an ATS-friendly resume:
- Use a traditional resume layout, such as a reverse-chronological or functional format. This will mean your resume includes all the necessary sections, in the expected order.
- Add keywords that match the job description throughout your resume, as ATS applications scan for these and well-placed, considered use can help your resume rank more highly.
- Use clear headings that break your resume up into readable, scannable sections that match the standard content employers expect from a resume.
- Adopt a clean, unfussy design that gives your content enough white space to breathe. Use professional, readable fonts and subtle use of color and other design elements.
- Adopt simple, professional language to keep your resume as concise as possible. This tends to make your document more readable, and easier for ATS software to scan.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
FAQs for a purchasing manager resume
Now that you know how to write a professional purchasing manager resume, you might also want to learn how to write an accompanying cover letter that makes a similar impact.
Check the job description to see whether a full, formal cover letter is necessary. In some situations, it might be more suitable to simply send a brief email to introduce yourself and accompany your resume.
If you decide you want to write a traditional cover letter, follow the standard letter-writing conventions around layout and structure. In the main body of the letter, write an opening paragraph to introduce yourself and explain why you're applying for the purchasing manager role. Your second paragraph is typically where you highlight your key relevant skills and achievements. Finally, close by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and leave a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to make contact with you.
For help creating an eye-catching cover letter that impresses recruiters and hiring managers, use Jobseeker's professional cover letter templates.
Writing a purchasing manager resume with no experience needn't be a daunting task. There are still plenty of ways to impress hiring managers with your resume. Choose a resume structure that best showcases your key skills for the role, such as a functional format. This places your skills and education above your work experience. Make the most of additional sections such as hobbies and interests, volunteer work, certifications and internships. These can help you showcase skills that you've developed outside traditional work settings.
If you want to create a strong first impression in your purchasing manager application, a resume headline can help. A well-written resume headline is also a way to increase your chances of passing the ATS resume scanning stage, by referencing keywords that match the job description. Write a short, snappy heading for your resume including the job title and a reference to your experience, your track record or one or two of your key skills.
See an example resume headline below:
- Junior Purchasing Manager Seeking Opportunities
- Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Specialist
- Senior Purchasing Manager with Expertise
The top resume format for your applications will vary according to a couple of factors. First, how much professional experience you have. Second, what type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. If you're applying for a junior position or changing careers, you might want to consider a functional resume. This highlights your skills and education over your work experience. If, however, you have experience in your chosen profession, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format might be the way to go. This showcases your relevant skills and achievements in your work experience section.
Key points for your purchasing manager resume
If you want to catch the eye of employers and recruiters, you need a professional resume that showcases your best skills and career achievements. Select a resume format that suits your experience levels and the job you're applying for, and make sure you tailor your resume for each application.
HR-approved resume templates and other tools by Jobseeker are the easiest way to create a winning job application. Sign up and follow the simple instructions to complete a resume that stands out from the crowd. To make the best possible impression with your applications, write a cover letter with the help of Jobseeker. You can also find plenty of expert-designed cover letter examples for inspiration.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
Impress potential employers with your resume
Follow step-by-step professional guidance to create a polished resume in minutes.
