Starting a career in procurement can open doors to exciting challenges, dynamic roles, and strong career progression. Whether you’re new to the working world or are considering a career change, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to break into this fast-paced and rewarding field.

What is Procurement?

Before you get started in the procurement sector, it is important to have a good understanding of what it involves. From this, you will get a better idea of what your day-to-day will consist of. Procurement involves the process of sourcing, acquiring, and managing the goods and services that a business needs. It covers a wide range of activities, from communicating with suppliers and negotiating contracts, to purchasing items and managing supplier relationships. The goal is to acquire quality products and services at competitive prices, while ensuring timely delivery and compliance with company policies.

A Day in the Life of a Procurement Professional

As the role of the procurement professional varies, no two roles will be the same, and no two days will be the same. However, there are certain responsibilities you will encounter regularly. For example, finding the best quality goods and services within budget is a top priority for the procurement department. To achieve this, procurement specialists will spend time researching suppliers to compare what they offer and establish what will best suit the business’s needs. They will also spend a lot of time communicating with suppliers and building relationships.

Depending on the company’s size, procurement may also be responsible for tracking inventory. This requires professionals to stay informed about industry trends and new products while collaborating closely with demand planners and forecasters to anticipate future needs.

Procurement specialists will manage purchase orders to ensure the timely delivery of goods. They will also draft and review contracts. Problem-solving is a regular activity, as it is procurement’s role to address disruptions and resolve quality concerns within their specific part of the supply chain.

Effective communication is crucial, whether reporting to managers, coordinating with internal stakeholders, or fostering strong relationships with suppliers.

Key Skills for A Career in Procurement

There are certain skills that are crucial for success in the procurement field:

  • Analytical skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Project Management
  • Technical proficiency

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are essential for a career in procurement they enable informed, data-driven decisions. These skills help evaluate supplier performance, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and identify market trends. This will result in securing the best deals while maintaining a competitive edge. Additionally, strong analytical abilities aid in risk management by identifying supply chain vulnerabilities and devising mitigation strategies.

Communication Skills

Good communication skills are crucial for procurement professionals due to their extensive interaction with various stakeholders. Effective communication aids in negotiating terms, resolving disputes, and collaborating with internal departments to align procurement strategies. It ensures clear contracts and reduces misunderstandings while also helping to build positive supplier relationships for better cooperation and terms.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is crucial for a career in procurement, as minor oversights can lead to significant issues. Precision helps identify issues such as invoice discrepancies and overpayments. It also ensures quality standards are met, reducing the risk of subpar goods or services. Ultimately, being diligent and paying attention to detail helps professionals to mitigate risks, control costs, and maintain smooth operational workflows.

Project Management

Project management skills are vital for procurement specialists as they manage complex procurement projects involving stakeholders, deadlines, and budgets. These skills enable effective planning, coordination, and monitoring to ensure projects stay on track and within budget.

Technical Proficiency

Procurement specialists require technical proficiency to use procurement software and tools for tasks like supplier management and contract negotiation. Having technical proficiency enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and enables adaptation to evolving technologies such as AI and blockchain.

Procurement Certifications

While it is possible to enter the procurement field with various educational backgrounds, a qualification in procurement, supply chain management, or a related field is often preferred. Professional certifications can enhance your credibility while improving your career prospects. Notable certifications include:

If you are not quite ready to begin your learning journey, you can get a feel for the sector by applying for professional membership. Membership allows you to access some of the industry’s best resources and insights. It will also provide you with a direct link to networking with other professionals across the sector. Memberships are often associated with a post nominal that you can use after your name, further enhancing your credentials within the sector.

Both institutes mentioned above, CIPS and IoSCM, offer different levels of membership. The membership level you will be eligible for depends on your experience and qualifications. Memberships are available from entry level, up through to the most experienced professional level.

Gaining Experience

Experience is invaluable in procurement. Here are four ways to gain relevant experience:

  1. Internships: Some companies offer internships in their procurement departments. This is an excellent way to get first hand experience.
  2. Entry-Level Positions: Start in roles such as procurement assistant or trainee buyer to gain some experience at a foundational level.
  3. Networking: Join professional associations, attend industry conferences, and connect with procurement professionals on LinkedIn. You are more likely to come across opportunities for your career development.
  4. Job Shadowing: if you are already working and are looking to take a lateral move in your career, speak with your employer about learning more about procurement. You may be able to shadow your procurement department to find out what they do in their day-to-day role.

Navigating the Job Market

Navigating the job market is always challenging, and transitioning into a new sector adds an extra layer of complexity. When you are ready to begin your job search, the tips below can help you increase your chances of success:

  • Research Potential Employers
  • Tailor Your CV
  • Prepare For Interviews

Research Potential Employers

Spend a decent amount of time doing background research. Make sure you know as much as possible before applying for a role with them. This will help you to understand their successes and challenges. Moreover, it will help you learn more about their procurement processes, which will differ from company to company. From this, you can tailor your application more appropriately.

Tailor Your CV

Highlight your most relevant skills, experience, and certifications. Make sure you are also using keywords from the job description, as many employers will look for these when sifting through applications.

Prepare For Interviews

Prepare for interviews by practicing common interview questions. Anticipate questions about your strengths, weaknesses, critical thinking skills and time management abilities. Prepare STAR examples (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate your answers with real examples. When applying for introductory level roles, it will not matter if you cannot speak about procurement experience. The interviewer will mainly be checking that you possess the key skills they are looking for.

Research current trends, challenges, and innovations in procurement to show your dedication to the industry. Being able to discuss topics such as advancements in technology or sustainability practices will work in your favour.

Finally, make sure you ask relevant and thoughtful questions. This will demonstrate your interest in the role and help you gather further information about the company. Here are six examples of questions you might want to ask:

  • What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?
  • What are the short-term and long-term goals for this position?
  • Can you provide an overview of the company’s procurement strategy?
  • How does the procurement team collaborate with other departments, such as finance, operations, and logistics?
  • What are the biggest challenges the procurement team is currently facing?
  • Are there any specific projects or targets you would like the new hire to focus on in their first few months?

By asking these questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the role, the company’s procurement practices, and how you can contribute to their success. Additionally, these questions show the interviewer that you are proactive, engaged, and genuinely interested in the position.

The Future of Procurement

The procurement field is evolving rapidly with advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and automation. By staying informed, continuously learning, and adapting to change, you’ll futureproof your career and stay ahead in this evolving industry.

Starting a career in procurement can be a fulfilling journey filled with opportunities for growth and development. By building the right skills, gaining relevant experience, and staying informed about industry trends, you can carve out a successful career in this dynamic field.

Learn more about gaining a procurement certification by viewing our online procurement courses. Not sure where to start? Our friendly Course Advisors are on hand to help, contact us today.