Procurement specialists are the purchasing and supply chain experts in any given retail company. The organisation relies on them to find the best goods for the best price available. They do this through a variety of methods, including networking, sourcing, contract negotiating, tendering bids and similar.
Qualifications and entry requirements
Most employers and recruitment agencies will expect candidates to have a degree, preferably business related. They also prefer workers to have had previous employment in procurement; the specified amount may vary across employers, but the expectation is that this experience must have been at a very senior level in order for the candidate to be considered to be a specialist.
Key skills
Computer skills especially using MS Office and procurement applications will also be essential, as will good communication skills, the ability to negotiate, and very strong attention spent on detail. It will help if the candidate has a strong personality as these tend to do better in jobs that require negotiation.
Salaries
Salaries in the UK range from £19,500 to £52,000 p.a. depending on the seniority of the role and there are often healthy bonuses associated with these types of job. The core hours will usually be 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, but there are times when pressure will mean that hours outside of normal work time may increase for staff.