Procurement
The procurement department is responsible for buying goods and services for a company. They make sure that the company gets the best value for money, while also making sure that the goods and services are of high quality and that they can be provided as and when the company needs them. This is important because it helps the company to save money and make sure that they have everything they need to run their business smoothly.
The role of a procurement professional is not very physical, as most of the work is done at a desk or computer. There can be flexibility in terms of location and hours, as some companies allow their procurement teams to work from home or have flexible working hours.
Why people love working in procurement
Impact on success
In procurement, you help decide how a company spends its money, making sure they get the best deals. This has a big impact on the company’s success, which feels really rewarding.
Ever-changing
The work in procurement is always changing. You could be negotiating prices one day and solving supply problems the next. It keeps things interesting and challenging.
Professional networks
You’ll work with lots of different people, both inside the company and with suppliers. This helps you build strong relationships and a great professional network.
Innovation
Procurement is a place where you can introduce new technologies and ideas to make things better, faster, or more sustainable. It’s a chance to be innovative.
Career opportunities
There are lots of opportunities to move up in procurement. The skills you learn, like negotiating and managing projects, are useful in many other jobs too, so you can grow your career in different directions.
Some of the key job roles within a procurement department/company
Procurement director
A procurement director oversees the entire procurement function, ensuring the organisation sources goods and services efficiently and cost-effectively. They develop procurement strategies, negotiate high-value contracts, and build long-term relationships with key suppliers. Their role involves working closely with finance, operations, and senior management to align procurement with business objectives.
This position suits strategic thinkers with excellent negotiation skills, leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of supply chain management.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Procurement manager
A procurement manager is responsible for leading a team and managing purchasing operations to ensure cost-effective and timely procurement of materials and services. They research suppliers, manage supplier relationships, and resolve any issues that arise with orders or deliveries.
This role involves budget management, contract negotiation, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. It suits individuals with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Procurement officer
A procurement officer focuses on sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring all purchases meet the company’s quality and cost requirements. They evaluate supplier performance, monitor stock levels, and coordinate with other departments to understand business needs. Their role requires a balance of analytical thinking, problem-solving, and relationship management.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys negotiation, has excellent communication skills, and is comfortable handling data and reports.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Procurement assistant
A procurement assistant provides essential administrative support to the procurement team, ensuring smooth purchasing operations. Their tasks include processing purchase orders, maintaining supplier records, tracking deliveries, and assisting with invoice management. They may also communicate with suppliers to check stock availability and resolve minor issues.
This role suits individuals with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, making it an excellent entry point into procurement.
Scorecard
Salary Potential*
Flexible Hours
Flexible Location
Physicality
*based on a 40-hour working week
Key skills and attributes needed
Negotiation skills
Analytical thinking
Relationship building
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Specialisms within procurement
Procurement analyst
This person analyses data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and efficiency improvements. Provides insights and reports to support decision-making in the procurement process.
Procurement compliance and risk manager
Ensures that procurement activities comply with legal, ethical, and organizational standards. Identifies and mitigates risks associated with procurement and supplier relationships.
E-procurement manager
Manages the implementation and use of electronic procurement systems. Focuses on automating procurement processes, improving efficiency, and integrating technology into procurement activities.
Sustainable procurement manager
Focuses on sourcing goods and services in a way that minimizes environmental impact and promotes social responsibility. Works on developing sustainable procurement policies and practices.
Entry path into a career in procurement
There are several entry paths into the field of procurement, catering to various educational backgrounds and career stages.
For those starting out, entry-level roles such as procurement assistant or purchasing administrator are common, often requiring GCSEs or A-levels and offering opportunities for on-the-job training
Graduates can enter procurement through degree programmes in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related fields, or by joining graduate schemes offered by large organisations.
Professional qualifications from bodies like the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) are also highly valued and can provide a solid foundation for a career in procurement.
Apprenticeships are available at various levels, from Level 2 to Level 7, and are open to individuals of any age and at any stage in their career, offering flexible opportunities for professional growth and development.
Additionally, those with experience in other areas such as finance or operations can transition into procurement by leveraging transferable skills like negotiation, analysis, and relationship management.
We’ve included a snapshot of relevant courses that might be suitable for you.
GCSEs
- English
- Maths
- Geography
- Business Studies
- Finance
- Statistics
- ICT
A-levels
- English
- Maths
- Business Studies
- Geography
- Finance
- Economics
- Statistics
- ICT
T-levels
- Management & Administration
- Business and Administration
- Accounting
- Digital Business Services
- Industry specific courses such as Engineering and Manufacturing
Apprenticeship standards
- Procurement and Supply Assistant
- Commercial Procurement and Supply
- Supply Chain Practitioner
- Supply Chain Leadership Professional Apprenticeship
- Business Administrator Apprenticeship
Further education courses
- Level 1, 2, 3, 4 courses in
- Business Administration
- Procurement and Supply Operations
- Supply Chain Management
- Professional Accountant
University courses
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management
- Business Management with Procurement
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Business Administration with a Focus on Procurement
Professional courses
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Qualifications
- Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
- Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
- Diploma in Procurement and Supply
- Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply
- Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM) Qualifications
- Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations
- Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations Strategy
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Operations
- Certificate in Logistics and Transport
- Professional Diploma in Logistics and Transport
For more information about skills and training in Lincolnshire, please click here
Professional Associations
Procurement professionals may belong to professional bodies such as:-
Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) – https://www.cips.org/
The Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM) – https://www.ioscm.com/
Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) – https://ciltinternational.org/