Procurement managers, also known as purchasing managers, are in charge of the planning and execution of a company’s overall acquisition strategy, whether it is in manufacturing or retail. A bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business management, is required to work as a procurement manager. Before working your way up to management, you’ll need to find work as a purchasing clerk, expediter, junior buyer, or assistant buyer.
Those who understand and are knowledgeable about the products that a company produces or sells are frequently treated with respect. Because procurement systems vary by company, graduating from a procurement program may not be sufficient preparation for a career as a procurement manager. Whether you want to work in retail or manufacturing, the degree you should pursue will depend on your goals. Retailers prefer people with a business degree, but manufacturing companies prefer people with degrees in engineering, economics, or applied sciences. To advance in this field, some workers may need a master’s degree.
Anyone interested in becoming a procurement manager should consider getting some leadership training. These executives must be self-assured leaders, capable decision-makers, astute planners, and quick problem solvers. Buyers must make quick decisions and risk their money on styles and trends. They must have marketing skills in order to predict which products will be popular in the near future. Procurement managers spend a lot of time managing assistant buyers, so these leadership skills are crucial.
As more companies use e-procurement software, computer training is becoming more important. Companies can automate much of the purchasing function with this procurement method, such as automatic reordering when stock levels fall below a certain threshold. It is beneficial to become familiar with the various types of software used in e-procurement.
Some companies will hire students straight out of college to train on their procurement systems and start working as assistant buyers right away. Others will hire college students as assistant buyers at the entry level. The majority of businesses use a combination of the two approaches to procure goods and services.
To advance and become a procurement manager, you’ll need to obtain continuing education or certification once you’ve found work as a purchasing agent. Certification is becoming increasingly important for those who want to work in this field, and it is likely to be required for many positions.