Purchasing Jobs – The Ultimate Guide for 2023
For this article, we are going to talk about the various purchasing jobs that one can apply for this year. We will also check the requirements needed for these purchasing jobs, as well as salary rates and responsibilities.
After reading this article, you’ll be more than glad to apply for purchasing jobs for this year and the next!
Key takeaways:
- The entry-level position for procurement is the procurement analyst.
- One of the best ways to find a job is by using the internet.
- One of the best ways to get hired is to have great educational background and skillset.
Whatis Purchasing Jobs?
To put it plainly, purchasing jobs are basically careers that are in the procurement and sourcing industry. This is because purchasing card, as every procurement professional knows, is just another term for procurement itself.
There are many types of purchasing jobs available for a person to try and apply. Of course, you first need to understand the career that you want to pursue. For this reason alone, one has to think about procurement and sourcing careers.
Careers in procurement are all about job titles that have something to do with the planning, structuring, and implementation of the procurement process. Even with the pandemic raging on, a procurement manager is, and will always be, needed by the company. Well, not just the procurement manager, but the whole department!
Below are the following positions that regularly fall under procurement jobs:
1. Procurement Analyst
Perhaps the entry-level position for every procurement job, the procurement analyst works closely with the procurement manager and the strategic sourcing manager. He/She is usually in charge of getting in touch with colleagues in finance, legal, IT research and development, and customer success.
2. Procurement Manager
The go-to person for initiating and managing procurement projects, the procurement manager will be working closely with vendors and internal teams to make sure that the procurement process goes smoothly. Other titles for the procurement manager include procurement coordinator, procurement engineer, and category manager
3. Strategic Sourcing Manager
The strategic sourcing manager is in charge of the more important and high-value purchases. Becoming a strategic sourcing manager requires an analytical mind and tactical spending. The sourcing manager is a role that is usually present in bigger companies.
4. Director of Procurement
The head of the procurement department, the director of procurement is the one who manages the team of procurement managers and analysts. He/she always checks that the department is always following the best practices and procedures for the good of the company.
5. Chief Procurement Officer
The chief procurement officer is at the very top of the procurement career path. An executive-level that has little to no turnover, it is almost every procurement director’s dream to achieve this rank. The CPO is someone who oversees all procurement activities and always makes sure that cost reduction and quality improvement are always followed.
RELATED COURSES
Negotiation Course for Procurement
Learn from industry experts who negotiated billion $ deals
Sustainable Procurement Course
Maintain profitability while moving toward sustainability
ChatGPT & AI in Procurement Course
Unleash the power of ChatGPT & AI within procurement
Junior Procurement Management Course
Learn how to execute the perfect procurement process
Mini-MBA for Procurement Managers
Enhance your expertise to make valuable strategic contributions
How to Applyfor Purchasing Jobs?
I bet your number one question right now is how to find those procurement jobs and how to get hired too.
Well, that’s very easy; all you have to do is check out our Negotiation Game Changer Certificate Program, get yourself signed up and we’ll teach you everything that you need to know.
Okay, that sounds incredibly easy, right? That’s just a little joke from us to you, our dear readers.
So how do you find these vacant procurement job positions? And what are the details and qualifications that you need to have to get the job? Well here are five very easy steps to do that:
1. The Internet is your Friend
The first thing you should do is open your browser, get on your keyboard and start typing “best procurement jobs near me.” In a few minutes, you’ll most likely get thousands of search results for new and outgoing hirings for procurement managers and specialists.
For those who are in locations where it is next to impossible to get an Internet connection, then newspapers are your sources for job vacancies.
Another good tip would be to subscribe to websites that help people find and get jobs. Don’t forget to subscribe with your email; you should receive newsletters about the latest employment opportunities every week or month. Take advantage of these and you should get hired in no time at all.
2. Check for Educational Qualifications
The next thing to check is your qualifications. Do you have the necessary skills necessary to do the job efficiently and without issues?
And for you to have those skills, your educational qualifications should also fit the job you’re trying to apply for.
For most entry-level procurement jobs, graduates with business, finance, or economics degrees are almost always welcome to apply. For managerial and executive-level positions, such as the strategic sourcing manager, director of procurement, and CPO positions, you need to have an advanced degree to cut.
Also, an executive-level position requires an applicant to have 20 years of working experience. Thus consider this before applying for the said job.
3. Check your Skill Set
While there are many procurement jobs available, it is also understandable that it is not for everyone. To check if you are qualified, your skills will also be assessed.
Below are some of the skills that are necessary to rise from procurement analyst all the way to CPO:
-
- Contract and Report Analysis
- Experience in technology, such as reporting systems, communication software, and enterprise resource planning systems
- Vendor performing tracking and communication
- Adaptability
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Leadership; the ability to influence your team members
- Compromise and collaboration
- ROI Calculations
- Data Analytics
- Contract Negotiation and Execution
- A strong business judgment and financial impact assessment
- A global perspective and knowledge of interdepartmental dependencies
4. Prepare a Professional Resume
During my time as a procurement manager, I’ve met a lot of potential applicants applying for entry-level procurement jobs. At first, they were completely confident that they’ll get hired. Unfortunately, most of the people I’ve met failed to get the job all because they submitted a poorly made resume.
If you’re going to apply for a serious position like a procurement analyst or manager, then please submit a professionally made resume. Don’t just grab a piece of paper and smack everything great about yourself; make sure that each print corresponds to the right years of experience when it comes to your job.
Also, don’t try to lie in your resume because a company can do a background check on you. If the information is proven wrong, then say goodbye to working in the procurement department.
Also, don’t forget to include a cover letter. A cover letter is a good indication of your negotiation skills. This is where you’ll need to influence the hiring manager to give you a shot, so by all means, make sure that your cover letter is impressive!
5. Dress for the Occasion
We might be going remote right now because of the pandemic but nothing turns off an employer when their potential employee shows up online in a baggy T-shirt and shorts.
Even if the interview is going to be online, you need to dress up the part as well. The procurement manager must appear convincing and professional, thus a sharp suit or business formal attire should do well to make you appear like a true professional. If you need to wear a tie, then do so too!
Purchasing JobsSalary Rate
At last, we’ve come to the part where everyone is always very excited. This is where we talk about how much sourcing jobs fare in terms of salary rate.
Despite the economic crunch brought by the COVID 19 pandemic, both procurement and sourcing remain strong industries that bring in the biggest salary rates for last year. This means it’s a very profitable move to start or consider a career in procurement or sourcing.
For the Sourcing Specialists, these guys make a whopping $63,365 per year. The highest salary rate comes at $87,525 per year, with the runner-up coming in closely at $76,368 per year. That is already considered a lot of money for those who are interested in making a career move to sourcing jobs.
Employment Websites to Help you Find Purchasing Jobs
1. Indeed
It is no surprise that our first pick will be Indeed as it is one of the best and most popular job websites. Indeed was founded in 2004 with a mission to help people find jobs.
Indeed also posts listings for job seekers in every industry, every job level, and every job type. Indeed is free to use which is why it is loved by many.
If you want to be notified of the latest jobs on Indeed, you will need to create an account. Although you do not have to worry as making an account is free.
Furthermore, Indeed has a review section for companies so you can read the opinions about your prospective employers before applying.
2. Glassdoor
Glassdoor was founded in 2008 aiming to help bring salary transparency and honest company reviews to millions of its users. Just like Indeed and Foundit, glassdoor is free to use for job seekers. They can also simultaneously search for open jobs and read detailed information about the company they are going to apply to.
However, to start your job search, you must create a profile, upload your resume, and sign up for email notifications to receive the latest job postings on the website.
3. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is not just an app to meet and connect with like-minded professionals. It also allows you to find the job that you are dreaming of.
Unlike most other job websites, it allows you to add recruiters which many human resources love as they can search for the best applicant for their company. Aside from delivering great job listings, it lets you easily show off your previous employment experience and accomplishments.
Creating a LinkedIn account is free. Once you have an account, you can use it to apply for open positions and send connection requests to grow your professional network.
4. Snagajob
Snagajob is America’s top marketplace for hourly jobs that connects employers and job seekers since its founding in 2000.
To apply for an open position on the website, you just have to click “apply now” on the page and you will be redirected to the website of your employer. You can also register on Snagajob to receive email notifications for a new job that matches your interest.
Additionally, just like any other job-searching website, signing up is completely free. So go and make your profile and find the job that you are looking for!
5. Foundit
Foundit, formerly known as Monster, was founded in 1994 to bring talents and companies together. Like Indeed, you can see many job opportunities.
However, in order to apply for a job listed in Monster, you need to create an account. You do not need to worry as creating an account is free.
Additionally, once you have created an account, you will be able to save job positions and search queries as well as be notified of new job listings available on the website.
Frequentlyasked questions
+ What are purchasing jobs?
Purchasing jobs are careers that deal with procurement and sourcing.
+ Why are purchasing jobs profitable?
For years, procurement and sourcing have survived the economic anxiety despite the COVID pandemic. Right now, with companies having issues with supplies, procurement experts are always needed.
Negotiation Course For Procurement Professionals
You'll get a certificate after completing the course
Rated 9.2/10 ★★★★★