Procurement career overview

Procurement jobs cover a broad spectrum of tasks and responsibilities within the supply chain related to buying a company’s products and services. This includes placing orders, negotiating with suppliers, managing contracts, managing risk, and cultivating relationships with suppliers and customers.

There is considerable potential to advance along a procurement career path. Entry-level positions typically start at procurement assistant and progress to procurement manager and director. It’s also a great route to a chief procurement officer role.

Here, we’ll discuss how to begin your career in procurement, the skillsets required, expected salary ranges and forecasted growth patterns within the industry.

Why choose procurement as your career?

A job in procurement can lead to a very rewarding career, both financially and personally, for several reasons:

Potential for advancement: There is a stepped path to increasing responsibility within the procurement career space, providing you with many opportunities for advancement and increased salary.

Job security: Nearly all businesses rely on a supply chain to support the sales of their products. That puts the procurement job sector in very high demand.

Competitive salary: Because demand is high and advancement potential is excellent, procurement jobs can frequently offer competitive salaries. Additionally, you will be paid more than your peers if you earn a relevant certificate or certification. For more information on procurement education programs, visit ascm.org/procurement-certificate-program (include ASCM link)

Travel opportunities: If you like to travel, procurement is a great career choice. Chances are, you’ll often need to travel to meet and negotiate with suppliers all over the globe.

On-the-job skill development: While in a procurement role, you’ll have opportunities to learn new skills and improve your negotiating and strategic thinking, making you more competitive and successful.

Impactful work: By working in procurement, you’ll be making a positive impact on your organization by driving cost savings, mitigating risk and delivering value. You can also do your part to help protect the planet by sourcing sustainable goods and services.

How to start a career in procurement

Whichever professional path you choose, your first step should be to acquire the proper educational foundation, starting with a bachelor’s degree. But your learning shouldn’t stop there: Ongoing training will help you stay competitive and further your career. Equally important to what you know is who you know. Savy networking goes a long way toward helping you advance and can give you an advantage over someone equally qualified. Following are tips for taking these key steps and getting started in your procurement career:

Education

Earning a bachelor’s degree in a discipline such as economics, engineering, business administration or supply chain management will provide you with valuable foundational knowledge to start your professional procurement journey. If you’re interested in starting at a more senior-level position, earning a master’s degree in a finance specialty or related field will take you a step further. 

In addition to earning your degrees, gaining industry-specific knowledge through accredited training programs and certificates will show potential employers your commitment to your procurement career and help you secure a higher salary. In fact, individuals with at least one APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, or CTSC) from ASCM earn a median salary 18% higher than their non-certified colleagues.

Securing your first role

Securing your first professional role in procurement requires a focused strategy to align your skills with industry demands. If you have no on-the-job experience, using your education and certification credentials to showcase your potential to employers is important.

While you’ll most likely need to start out in an entry-level position, use this opportunity to learn as much as you can about the industry, sharpen your skill set and make professional connections that will help you propel your career forward.

Networking

People sometimes underestimate the importance of networking. Joining a global membership organization like the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) (LINK) will help you connect with industry professionals who can mentor you and help guide you in your career journey. As an ASCM member, you’ll enjoy discounts on certification programs, professional development and industry events, as well as exclusive access to leading industry insight and research. Organizations like ASCM provide a supportive community where you’ll have the tools and channels you need to drive your career forward.

Upskilling

As with any career, sharpening your skillset through continuous learning is crucial for remaining competitive and advancing within the industry. You can start by identifying the path you’d like to take on your career journey and what higher-level roles you’d like to pursue. Then, do your research to learn what specific skills are needed to be hired and succeed in these roles.

For procurement, this will involve strategic sourcing, data analytics and supplier relationship management. You may also benefit from sharpening your digital skills in procurement platforms, such as ERP and e-procurement systems. Pursuing advanced programs such as the Supply Chain Procurement Certificate and becoming a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) will provide you with accredited in-depth training and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

Reference source: Indeed .

Procurement career forecast

If you’re planning on a career in procurement, you’ll be happy to know the future looks bright.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs within the procurement industry, such as purchasing managers and buyers, are projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Looking closely at job growth potential, roughly 61,000 openings in these positions are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force due to retirement or another life change.

Reference source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Procurement career salary averages

According to the ASCM 2024 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report, general salaries in the United States continued their upward trajectory, with a 4% increase year-over-year. This impressive growth pushed the median compensation for supply chain professionals past a major milestone, reaching a record-breaking $103,000.

Positions within the procurement specialty offer a wide range of salaries. A project-based role such as a full-time procurement specialist can pay anywhere from $30.12 to $36.80 per hour, while higher-level roles such as director of purchasing and contracting can pay anywhere from $230,000 to $250,000 per year.

Earning an ASCM certificate such as the Supply Chain Procurement Certificate not only sharpens your skill set and proves your career dedication to potential employers but can also boost your salary. Statistics show professionals with a certificate such as this one from ASCM can enjoy a salary increase of up to 20% compared to those without.

Procurement roles to explore

There are many potential positions to pursue within the supply chain procurement field. Here is a breakdown of some roles to explore categorized by career level, the responsibilities they cover and career growth advantages they offer:

Entry level

• Procurement analyst:
  • Responsibilities – Conduct data analysis on cost reduction, supplier performance and purchasing trends to support procurement strategies
  • Benefits – Build your foundational analytical skills in supply chain management
• Buyer:
  • Responsibilities – Manage purchasing planning and activities, negotiate with suppliers and ensure timely delivery of goods
  • Benefits – Provide hands-on experience in building supplier relationships and negotiation
• Procurement assistant:
  • Responsibilities – Provide administrative support for procurement processes, such as tracking orders, handline documentation and coordinating with suppliers
  • Benefits – Teach the foundations of procurement basics and provide organizational experience

• Procurement specialist:
  • Responsibilities – Assist with sourcing, vendor management and contract negotiation to help streamline purchasing processes
  • Benefits – Develop essential procurement knowledge and specialized skills in supplier engagement

Midlevel

• Category manager:
  • Responsibilities – Oversee purchasing for a specific product category, strategize supplier relationships and manage budgets to optimize category performance
  • Benefits – Builds expertise in category-specific procurement and strategy planning

• Senior buyer:
  • Responsibilities – Lead high-level or complex purchasing projects, mentor junior buyers and improve procurement efficiency across product lines
  • Benefits – Deepen negotiation and strategic sourcing skills and provide opportunities for leadership roles

• Procurement manager:
  • Responsibilities – Manage procurement teams, define purchasing policies and drive cost-savings initiatives to achieve company goals
  • Benefits – Offer leadership experience and opportunities to shape procurement strategies

• Strategic Sourcing Manager:
  • Responsibilities – Develop and implement sourcing strategies for critical products and services and ensure alignment with the organizational objectives
  • Benefits – Provide experience in strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration

Senior

• Director of procurement:
  • Responsibilities – Lead the procurement department, set high-level procurement strategies and ensure policies support the overall company objectives
  • Benefits – Provide executive oversight experience and opportunities to improve corporate decision-making

• Chief procurement officer:
  • Responsibilities – Head the procurement function, aligning procurement goals with organizational strategy while driving innovation in the supply chain process
  • Benefits – Offer the highest leadership role in procurement with significant influence over sustainability and profitability

Industries that employ procurement professionals

The procurement function serves a necessary and vital role across many industries because it ensures companies acquire the goods and services they need at the best possible price, quality and delivery time. Following are a few industries that rely on the procurement function for daily operations:

• Manufacturing: Procurement professionals play a critical role in sourcing raw materials, components and equipment needed for production. They work to secure reliable suppliers and negotiate contracts that balance cost with quality to prevent delays, reduce waste and improve profitability across the supply chain.
• Retail and e-commerce: Procurement teams are responsible for building relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring a steady inventory flow. They monitor market trends and demand patterns and adjust purchasing strategies accordingly to help businesses stay competitive and meet customer expectations.
• Health care and pharmaceuticals: Procurement professionals handle the acquisition of medical devices, drugs and other supplies critical for patient care. They must navigate stringent regulatory requirements and quality standards to ensure all products meet safety guidelines while maintaining essential stock levels to continuously support patient care and public health needs.
• Technology and electronics: Procurement is essential for sourcing complex, often high-value components such as semiconductors. These professionals maintain supplier relationships and anticipate global supply chain challenges to keep production on track. Procurement teams must also keep pace with rapid technological advancements and look for opportunities to introduce innovative or cost-saving materials.

Procurement career skillsets

Because the procurement field covers a wide range of responsibilities and tasks, procurement professionals must possess a diverse set of skills to navigate complex supply chains, manage costs and drive innovation. Here are the top 10 skills every professional should master to excel in a procurement role:

1. Strategic sourcing: Moving beyond basic purchasing, strategic sourcing involves identifying and developing long-term relationships with key suppliers to optimize overall supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
2. Demand planning and forecasting: Accurately predicting future product demand allows for efficient inventory management, production planning and resource allocation. This skill requires understanding market trends, customer behavior and internal sales forecasts.
3. Inventory management: Striking the right balance between holding too much or too little inventory is crucial for cost control and customer satisfaction. This involves understanding inventory carrying costs, lead times and implementing effective inventory control strategies.
4. Supply chain visibility and analytics: In today's complex global supply chains, having real-time visibility of inventory levels, order status and potential disruptions is essential. Analyzing data allows for proactive decision-making and risk mitigation.
5. Logistics and transportation management: Optimizing the movement of goods from supplier to customer is critical for timely delivery and cost control. This includes understanding different transportation modes, freight costs and implementing efficient logistics strategies.
6. Project management: Many supply chain initiatives involve complex projects, requiring strong project management skills to ensure on-time and on-budget completion. This involves planning, scheduling, resource allocation and risk management.
7. Risk management and resilience: Identifying and mitigating potential disruptions in the supply chain is key to ensuring business continuity. This requires understanding various risks, developing contingency plans and continuously improving supply chain resilience.
8. Global trade management: Understanding international trade regulations, customs procedures and incoterms is essential for businesses operating in a globalized environment. This facilitates efficient cross-border transactions and helps avoid delays or compliance issues.
9. Sustainability integration: Integrating sustainability principles into supply chain practices is becoming increasingly important. This involves ethical sourcing; minimizing environmental impact; and aligning with environmental, social and governance standards.
10. Leadership and communication: Effective leadership and communication are essential for building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, customers and colleagues. This ensures collaboration, information flow and smooth supply chain operations.

ASCM career development resources

ASCM is the global leader in supply chain organizational transformation, innovation and leadership. By joining ASCM, you’ll enjoy reduced pricing on APICS certification courses, professional development and events, as well as exclusive access to industry-leading insights and research. You’ll be part of an online network of impassioned supply chain professionals ready to help you advance your career path. For more information, visit ascm.org/membership-community/career-resources/.