what is a procurement manager?

As a procurement manager, you are responsible for sourcing products and services for the company. You ensure the company get the best products that help them achieve its goals. You should create a buying strategy for your employer that considers the budget and the supplies needed.

As the head of the procurement team, you supervise the selection of vendors based on the quality of raw materials and budgetary constraints. Since your job is to optimise cost, you need to pick the best vendors that give the company value for money while delivering tangible benefits.

what does a procurement manager do?

The specific duties of a procurement manager depend on the company size. In large organisations, you lead a team of procurement specialists and agents. That means you are unlikely to participate in the purchasing process. Your job is to strategise the company's best procurement procedures and policies. You also report to the chief procurement officer. 

In small or medium-sized businesses, the procurement manager is responsible for strategising for procurement functions and purchasing. For instance, your job involves selecting vendors and negotiating contracts aside from developing a procurement plan. You are also likely to report to the chief operations officer.

Traditionally, the role of a procurement manager was to supervise purchasing, but it is expanding as more companies recognise the value of a procurement team. Nowadays, procurement managers participate in identifying strategic partnerships that improve business outcomes.

Would working as a procurement manager suit your negotiation skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in the procurement manager role.
 

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average salary of a procurement manager

According to National Careers, the average salary of a procurement manager ranges from £30,000 to £60,000 per year. When you are new to the role or work in an interim position, your salary starts at £30,000 annually, but as you gain experience and secure a permanent role, your earnings start from £50,000 to £70,000 per year.

While you don't earn commissions for securing the best vendors, some companies have annual bonuses and provide other incentives to increase your compensation package. The standard allowances for procurement managers include house and transport allowance. Your employer will also pay for your medical insurance and provide paid sick days and vacation days.

how to boost your salary as a procurement manager

Your experience and educational background influence your salary potential. Since the role doesn't require a licence to practice like legal and finance jobs, procurement managers are usually from varied backgrounds. However, having additional certifications can tip the odds in your favour during the hiring and determination of salaries. When you have certifications, you bring different skills, which warrant better pay. The location also influences your salary. For instance, urban centres attract better pay than small towns.
 

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two females having a conversation
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types of procurement managers

The types of procurement managers depend on how the company will use the items they procure. Some procurement managers are involved in:

  • direct procurement: as a direct procurement manager, you source the raw materials necessary to produce end products. For instance, in a manufacturing company, you obtain raw materials, while in retail shops, you acquire items from wholesalers for resale to customers.
  • indirect procurement: as an indirect procurement manager, you procure items vital for day-to-day operations but don't contribute to the company's bottom line. For instance, you procure office supplies, furniture and advertising items.

     
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working as a procurement manager

As a procurement manager, you are the key driver of efficiency since you assist your employer in minimising waste and ensuring the daily operations run smoothly. Let's explore the specific roles and duties of a procurement manager.

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education and skills

To become a procurement manager, you need the following educational qualifications:

  • university: you can start your procurement career with any degree course related to the field. For instance, you can get a higher national diploma or foundation degree for purchasing and logistics or business studies.
  • apprenticeship: you can join an apprenticeship and start as a trainee purchasing manager. Some apprenticeships available for the role include advanced procurement and supply assistant or commercial procurement and supply higher apprenticeships.

skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a procurement manager include:

  • financial skills: as a procurement manager, you need financial acumen since you must be aware of procurement costs and budgets. Financial skills help you balance the budgets and procurement costs.
  • analytical skills: as a procurement manager, your role involves evaluating suppliers and ensuring the vendors' data is accurate. You need analytical skills to compare various factors necessary for choosing a supplier.
  • leadership skills: since you are the manager, you take a supervisory role. Hence, you need to direct teams to complete procurement processes effectively. Leadership also involves inspiring and motivating employees to achieve the desired results.
  • negotiation skills: as a procurement manager, you have to negotiate contracts and ensure you acquire the best prices from suppliers. Negotiation skills help you get the best prices and high-quality goods.
     
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two smiling males looking at mobile device
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FAQs

FAQs about working as a procurement manager

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