This is a contributor’s blogpost …
If you are currently deciding what path you want to go down to in terms of your career, one option that is well worth considering is procurement. Procurement is a term that is used to describe obtaining something. It is a process of finding, agreeing terms, and acquiring services, products, or works from an external provider, typically through a competitive bidding or tendering process. Below, we take a look at the different benefits that are associated with a career in this field.
1. Travel – One of the great things about a job in this field is that you are likely to travel all over the world. Plus, you will have a knowledge base and skills that are easily transferable if you do decide to move overseas. This is because there is a need for procurement professionals to manage supply bases all over the world due to globalization. A lot of businesses will have procurement professionals that oversee different regions, i.e. Asia or Europe, and the suppliers will need to be visited to ensure value is being added to the company. There are also many events, conferences, and exhibitions worldwide to attend. There are then jobs that are directly linked to travel, for example, procurements jobs with cruise ships and airlines.
2. Job satisfaction – This can be a very rewarding and satisfying career. It feels great whenever you make a good deal. You need to appraise suppliers, understand the supply market, and negotiate the best possible deal. This requires exceptional influencing and negotiating skills, as well as a high level of commercial and analytical skills. When you achieve success in negotiation, it is probably one of the most stimulating activities you can be a part of.
3. Diverse set of opportunities – One of the key benefits associated with working in procurement is the assortment of jobs available. This includes senior buyer, senior procurement data analyst, procurement lead, development manager, head of global commodities, and head of purchasing, amongst many more. You can also find jobs to suit your lifestyle, i.e. temporary, permanent, and contract jobs. Portfolio Procurement has plenty of information about the different jobs that are available. Knowing you want to work in the industry is not enough, you need to have an idea of the type of role you would like to have.
4. Career development – There are plenty of ways for you to make your way up in the industry. A lot of organizations will buy on a project basis, which enables you to develop as part of a team. There is always an opportunity to make your way from purchasing assistant, to buyer, and then to senior buyer. You can even enter boardroom levels as a supply chain or procurement director.
5. Competitive salary – Last but not least, there is no denying that the salary is one of the main attractions associated with working in procurement. A procurement job will typically pay very well, especially when more risk management is entailed and the responsibilities are high. Of course, you need to be realistic in the beginning, but as mentioned, you can work yourself up to great things.
