9 Ways to Have an Incredible Procurement Career
They worked for me - they might work for you
Are you looking to make your procurement career truly exceptional?
Do you want to stand out amongst your peers and achieve remarkable success in the field?
Well, that’s what I’ve got for you today.
I’m not saying I’ve had the most remarkable career, but in a short space of time, I went from grad to buyer, to manager, to lead, to head of all within the space of a few years and dropped a lot of value in short stints in those times.
Here’s what I learned along the way.
PS. For anyone interested, I now work with Gatekeeper in a consultancy role to help them grow but more on a different kind of career path in procurement in a different article.
1. Don't Settle for the Wrong Organisation
One of the most important factors in having a fulfilling procurement career is finding the right organisation that aligns with your values and goals.
If you're not feeling fulfilled in your current organisation, don't be afraid to keep searching until you find the right fit.
Remember, a supportive and inspiring work environment can make all the difference in your professional growth and job satisfaction.
I had this issue a couple of times.
The worst part was that it was great to start with one of these places and got progressively…rubbish. That sucks when you spend a huge amount of time in the role and come away feeling like you got screwed over.
2. Build Skills for the Future
I’m all about perpetual learning. I make time every single day to learn more.
When it comes to procurement, that means I’m:
Reading Books
Listening to Podcasts
Hosting Podcasts
Reading Articles
Researching Procurement Technology Providers
Attending Procurement, Supply Chain, and Contract Management Conferences
Reading content by people outside of Procurement, namely Finance, Ops, Software Engineers, and Content Creators
Making notes on all of the above and turning that into content for you lovely people
Why?
All of this, coupled with my real-world experience, keeps me at the forefront of the skills for the future.
3. Foster a Good Relationship with Your Boss
Your relationship with your boss can greatly impact your career trajectory and job satisfaction.
Ensure you have a good vibe and open communication with your boss. Seek opportunities to build trust, understand their expectations, and align your goals with theirs (when it makes sense).
A positive and productive relationship with your boss can lead to mentorship, growth opportunities, and a more fulfilling work experience.
But if it sucks - get out of there quickly!
I’d rather choose a good boss and a below-average opportunity than a bad boss and an amazing opportunity.
4. Tap into Procurement Communities
Networking and collaborating with professionals in your field can be a game-changer for your procurement career.
And here’s a not-so-shameless plug to join our paid World of Procurement Community.
We’ll be creating deeper connections and bringing more insights to our paid community members to help you with all 9 of the points raised here.
5. Build Relationships that Get Work Done
Successful procurement professionals understand the power of building strong relationships.
Foster connections not only with internal stakeholders but also with suppliers, contractors, and colleagues.
Strong relationships facilitate effective collaboration, improve negotiation outcomes, and create a supportive network that enhances your work efficiency.
In short, there’s nothing you cannot achieve with the right relationships supporting you.
6. Cultivate Curiosity
To excel in procurement, cultivate a curious mindset.
Embrace a continuous improvement mindset and constantly seek ways to enhance your procurement practices.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends, explore innovative technologies, and challenge the status quo. By nurturing curiosity, you'll position yourself as an innovator and thought leader in procurement.
I wrote all about this here.
7. Explore Direct and Indirect Procurement
Expand your knowledge and experience by gaining direct and indirect procurement exposure.
Direct procurement involves acquiring goods and services directly incorporated into the final product, while indirect procurement focuses on non-production-related purchases.
Understanding the nuances of both categories will enhance your versatility as a procurement professional and make you more valuable to organisations.
You’ll also get the opportunity to explore what works best for you.
8. Master Contract Management
Contracts play a crucial role in the procurement process.
Invest time in developing your contract management skills to thrive in your procurement career.
This includes understanding contract law, negotiation techniques, drafting effective contracts, and ensuring compliance in the post-signature phase.
A strong grasp of contracts will set you apart and enable you to confidently navigate complex procurement situations.
I’d add - understanding the legal process and how Lawyers operate is key.
9. Be Kind
In any career, including procurement, kindness is a powerful trait that can make a significant difference. Treat others with respect, empathy, and fairness.
Sounds easy, but this is difficult for far too many.
Closing Thoughts
Following these nine ways can pave the path to an incredible procurement career.
Remember, success is not just about achieving personal goals but also positively impacting the organisations and communities you serve. So don’t get caught up in the rat race and chasing the bigger salaries.
What's one thing that has helped you have an incredible procurement career? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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