How to Become a Procurement Manager

Becoming a Procurement Manager

Step 1: Get the Right Degree

The role of a procurement manager can differ considerably between companies and sectors. For most companies, a business degree would be preferable and enough. Other companies have complex supply and production chains. An engineering degree might be preferable. Candidates should decide beforehand what their goals are. They should apply to companies that match their interests and qualifications.

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For more information on academic qualifications, please refer to the relevant article.

Step 2: Start Small

The procurement department offers roles for individuals at almost every experience level. This is a unique aspect. There are entry-level positions available for a fresh graduate. There are also positions for managers with over 20 years of experience. These managers have handled the procurement department for an entire continent.

Starting small could mean one of two things. It could mean applying for an entry-level position at a normal-sized company. In this case, the procurement agent or officer would be responsible for only a small part of the company’s sourcing needs. The individual can then rise through the ranks and take on more responsibilities.

It could also mean starting as an intern or a graduate trainee at a large multinational corporation. These large companies usually have campus programmes. They take on fresh graduates and expose them to various organisational roles and departments. Their careers are usually fast-tracked.

Step 3: Get the Certifications

This article lists several certifications for procurement managers. You can find them here. These certifications require candidates to understand the job before starting the courses.

The certifications are a great way to boost your career after a few years of experience. Many professionals undergo certifications like these. They also take advanced courses, like an MBA, to add dynamism to their career paths.

Step 4: Rise Through the Ranks

There are considerable opportunities to rise through the ranks in the procurement department. Professionals can grow within the organization and move laterally. Lateral moves often lead to faster growth and better pay. There might also be opportunities for cross-departmental training. For example, procurement managers can move into production or operations departments. This is possible if they understand operational and supply chain management well. Later, they might even aim for a COO (Chief Operating Officer) post.

Search other articles to learn more about procurement manager careers:

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