The ultimate guide to becoming a procurement officer

From market research, procurement planning and evaluating supplier response, to handling negotiations, managing budgets and overlooking a number of procurement projects – being a procurement officer can be very versatile when it comes to day-to-day responsibilities. 

So if you enjoy planning, problem solving and procurement strategy, then carry on reading for our ultimate guide to becoming a procurement officer.

What qualifications do I need? 

In most instances, your employer will be looking for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business administration, supply chain management, or procurement. 

Those who have a master’s degree in supply chain management or procurement also have a significant competitive advantage and even open up more senior positions.

Professional Certifications

Obtaining a professional certification such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Professional in Public Procurement (CPPP) will help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more desirable candidate. 

Brush up on key skills

• Cultivate strong analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively evaluate suppliers, contracts, and procurement strategies.
• Hone your negotiation and communication skills to establish productive relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Develop proficiency in using procurement software and tools for data analysis, contract management, and reporting.
• Strengthen your organizational and time management skills to handle multiple procurement projects simultaneously.

Get applying!

Now you’re ready to apply for your first role, how exciting – but where should you start?

1. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant education, experience, skills, and certifications.
2. Get on LinkedIn or work with a specialist recruitment agency to narrow down the roles that suit your requirements and experience. 
3. Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s procurement processes, understanding the challenges in the given sector, and showcasing your ability to contribute to their procurement objectives.

Get in touch with the Imperium Resourcing team on 0203 929 4000 to learn more about our current procurement manager vacancies.