en
Jobs

Let our industry specialists listen to your aspirations and present your story to the most esteemed organisations in the UK, as we collaborate to write the next chapter of your successful career.

See all jobs
Candidates

Together, we’ll map out career-defining, life-changing pathways to achieve your career ambitions. Browse our range of services, advice, and resources.

Learn more
Services

The UK's leading employers trust us to deliver fast, efficient hiring solutions that are tailored to their exact requirements. Browse our range of bespoke services and resources.

Read more
About Robert Walters UK

Since our establishment in 1985, our belief remains the same: Building strong relationships with people is vital in a successful partnership.

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters UK

Learn more

Becoming a Procurement Manager

As a Procurement Manager, you will lead the team that is responsible for procuring all the services and goods a business needs to operate. We look at the job in more detail.

What do procurement managers do?

Primarily, you will be responsible for leading the procurement team in getting the goods or services the business needs at the right time and achieving the best value. The exact nature of this varies from organisation to organisation but can include everything from purchasing the energy a factory needs and buying the raw materials to make a product to even sourcing of a recruitment company to supply the staff you need.

What would be my main priorities?

You will need to be a key driver of efficiency for the business, implementing processes that minimise the business waste while ensuring the day-to-day operations of the business runs smoothly. You will need to source suppliers – often on an international basis, negotiate and manage contracts and build key relationships with both suppliers and the internal teams. Procurement managers need to stay on top of new trends, regulation and technology as they often will be expected to lead on innovation and cost savings as these ultimately can create a competitive advantage for the business.

What skills do I need to become a procurement manager?

Negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills are key to the role as the job will require you to lean on your networks to get the best price for your business. You will also need to have good finance abilities and be capable of managing budgets as cost is always a key priority for people in these roles. As a procurement manager, you will need to know what the business needs, when, and in what volume. You will therefore need strong forecasting and planning skills, and the ability to correctly assess the needs of the business. 

Which qualifications are required?

Unlike in finance and legal, there isn't a license to practice. Procurement professionals often therefore come from varied backgrounds. Most employers prefer candidates who have earned a bachelor degree in a related area such as business or economics, logistics, supply chain management or purchasing. People who are interested in this position can pursue BTEC, HND/HNC, or NVQ certifications as well a CIPS qualifications. 

As a Procurement Manager, you will lead the team that is responsible for procuring all the services and goods a business needs to operate. 

 

How much can I earn working as a procurement manager?

Procurement Managers can expect to earn anywhere between £50 – 70k in a permanent role and £350 – 550 per day in a interim position, depending on experience, seniority and the industry you work in.

Share this article

Useful links

Sign up for job alerts
Salary Survey
Career Advice
Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Related content

View All

Salaries for manufacturing professionals will rise 7% in 2018

The Robert Walters 2018 Salary Survey has found that salaries for manufacturing professionals in the North West will increase by 8% in 2018. Despite economic and political instability in 2017 leading businesses in some sectors to take a cautious approach to hiring, manufacturing firms in the North W

Read More

Procurement vacancies on the rise

The number of UK procurement jobs has expanded by 8% year-on-year, according to our latest UK Jobs Index, indicating a steady increase in employer demand for procurement talent. Research reveals that the increase in procurement roles is most pronounced in the North West with a rise of 10% quarter on

Read More

Day in the life of a head of supply chain

Joanne Owens is a Head of Supply Chain. We spoke to her to find out what her job’s really like. What’s involved in your current role on a day-to-day basis? I am currently a Head of Supply Chain for a large global business. Day-to-day, my role involves managing the supply chain department, supporting

Read More

I'm Robert Walters Are you?

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.