procurement specialist.

Buy goods and services that are typically intended for resale. These specialists have in-depth knowledge of the categories they work with and tend to spend a lot of time analyzing profit margins and inventory levels.

Buy any items the company needs to operate. They do not purchase goods for resale but instead buy materials necessary for the production process or the company's operations. This task requires a broad understanding of how the company functions.

What does a procurement specialist do? Being a procurement specialist means being part of the operations team at your workplace. Some procurement specialists report to a manager, while others work independently or oversee other buyers. A typical day in the life of a procurement specialist can vary quite a bit. Depending on your role, you might spend your time performing one or more of the following activities:

• Product Catalog Management: This task involves tracking all products across the entire company. You’ll note which products are needed and which products employees already have. It might be your responsibility to conduct regular inventory checks or prepare reports to determine how many items need to be ordered. Additionally, you’ll participate in numerous meetings to discuss procurement needs from other departments.
• Negotiating Purchase Agreements: Your task list may include securing the best possible purchase price. You will be authorized to suggest different prices and try to find profitable deals. For example, you might end up buying pens in large quantities because you can generally get a much better deal. This often involves building a network of professional contacts and leveraging business relationships to close advantageous offers.
• Suggesting Product Usage Policies: Some procurement specialists get involved in developing workplace policies. You might propose changes to rules regarding how often employees reuse tools. This task requires a good understanding of the company's operations to identify ways to continuously improve them. It can be helpful to connect with other employees at the workplace to better understand daily activities and the items that need to be purchased.
• Product Delivery Coordination: It is also your responsibility to manage the process of delivering materials to the company. You will need to handle all aspects, from scheduling deliveries to authorizing payments. This task also includes managing details such as monitoring supplier performance and tracking contractual terms.

If you get bored spending all day cooped up in an office, a role as a procurement specialist might be the perfect fit for you. This job requires you to be comfortable traveling from one location to another. Sometimes you'll be analyzing spreadsheets at your desk, and other days you'll be walking through buildings to chat with colleagues. While you have the option to work remotely on some tasks, you may find yourself traveling quite a bit. Some procurement specialists travel to other cities or even abroad to meet with various suppliers.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues may include material handlers, accountants, administrative assistants, and office managers. You will also work close to delivery and reception staff. Sometimes, you'll encounter other specialists, which may include, but are not limited to, production supervisors, accounts accountants, or marketing managers.

The role of a Procurement Specialist is typically a full-time position. Most procurement professionals work standard shifts, usually from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on weekdays. However, due to the responsibilities of the role, you often need to be available whenever your industry contacts are working. If you’re sourcing items from people in different time zones, this can lead to an irregular schedule. Even if you don’t work every weekend or overnight, you can expect occasional meetings during weekends, evenings, or early mornings. The procurement specialist’s schedule is well-suited for individuals who enjoy a flexible workweek. While there may be periods of downtime, you’ll likely need to work overtime when multiple orders come in simultaneously.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a slight decline in the number of jobs for procurement managers over the next decade. However, this doesn’t mean the field isn’t poised for growth. While automation has the potential to take over basic tasks like inventory tracking, there’s an increase in specialized areas. If you focus on fields such as logistics or consumer goods, there are more job opportunities to choose from. There are plenty of chances for advancement or to shift your career path within the workplace. Some procurement specialists move up to become supply chain managers or materials managers. Additionally, you can consider applying for roles like supply chain director or operations director.

Finding a position as a procurement specialist through Randstad offers significant advantages such as:

• professional guidance and counseling to maximize your chances of success in the recruitment process
• a contact person with experience, available to provide assistance when needed
• a variety of career opportunities in your area of expertise
• temporary and permanent contracts

Are you looking for a permanent contract? A temporary job as a procurement specialist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent position. Every year, thousands of people secure permanent contracts with trusted employers thanks to temporary jobs found through Randstad. Plus, many companies also hire their permanent staff through Randstad!

Buyers primarily focus on acquiring products that their companies can resell to consumers. While some procurement specialists do this, their main emphasis isn't on marketing or selling directly to consumers. Instead, their priority is on products that enable their organization to operate efficiently.

This is a complex profession suited for people who enjoy challenges. If you thrive on the excitement of managing multiple important tasks and find satisfaction in keeping a business running smoothly, then this could be the right job for you.

If you're interested in advancing, aim for a procurement director role. This managerial position involves overseeing multiple procurement specialists within a large company.

The seven stages of procurement are a common approach for managing product orders. Many companies utilize this strategy, so it's important to understand it. The steps include identifying needs, reviewing requests, placing orders, evaluating contracts, managing orders, approving invoices, and maintaining records.

If you're looking for a career field with plenty of growth potential, the most promising industries to consider are consumer goods and technology. Both sectors are experiencing increased demand for procurement specialists. Other well-paying industries with numerous job opportunities include the food and beverage industry, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consulting.

Applying for a procurement specialist position is easy: create a Randstad profile and browse our procurement specialist jobs in your area. Then, simply send us your CV. If you don’t have a CV yet, no worries we’ll help you create one. Need assistance with your application? Check out all our career tips here! Want to stay updated on the latest trends and insights in the job market? Download the newest reports and research here.