Career in Procurement / Buyer
Discussion
- note I'm torn between career choices so apologies for 2 threads but thought it might spark conversation for others interested in the same careers**
Looking at the CIPS website and considering doing level 4 as self study. The price of doing it in a class room or distance learning seems very high. Anyone done it as self study using just the books from CIPS? Is it possible?
Thought it be good to start to add to my CV that I'm in the process of studying CIPS and hopefully open more doors. Any tips on getting into procurement?? There is no opportunity in my current role to do it.
Do even the junior buyer roles ask for CIPS qualification? I'd be surprised if they do.
You may have to take a salary drop in order to get your foot in.
Note, I work close with procurement professionals and departments so if I spot anything I'll try to remember this thread.
You may have to take a salary drop in order to get your foot in.
Note, I work close with procurement professionals and departments so if I spot anything I'll try to remember this thread.
Edited by Prohibiting on Saturday 5th October 14:36
When I was in procurement our junior buyers were either graduates doing the rounds or people studying for their CIPS.. Buyers and above needed CIPS.
fwiw I loved my time in procurement so involved in everything the company was doing and there’s still some of the things I contributed to out there as Brand leaders and iconic products.
fwiw I loved my time in procurement so involved in everything the company was doing and there’s still some of the things I contributed to out there as Brand leaders and iconic products.
By all means do CIPS, but look for assistant roles. Don't be put off by the bumph in job ads, a lot of purchasing is more about the relationships you build with suppliers than about screwing a fraction of a penny on a grommett. Go in at the bottom and if you're any good you'll get noticed. You may get lucky and have an employer send you for training. Supply chain is all good. No good buying said grommets for less than nothing if they aren't on the shop floor when required. A good agency that specialises will soon tell you if you're wasting your time after interviewing you.
Im currently a buyer for several major UK brands, and have previously been a buyer with a top 3 UK retailer. I dont know a single buyer with CIPS qualification - most of them have worked their way up (the odd one has come through grad schemes). The main way is to either work up from an Assistant Buyer (salary 16k entry 22k experienced) or have an equivalent ‘level’ role in a retailer, demonstrate the knowledge required and do a sideways move. As mentioned its mainly who you know and who you impress!
Pretty much the same situation that I'm in. Had a recent interview within my own company for a transport buying role, they ignored the cips that I didn't have and got through to second round. My background is sales and account management with a bit of freight buying.
The second interview really exposed my weaknesses to the point I nearly walked out.
I can't afford to take the drop to a junior role so have decided to stay in sales / account management!
The second interview really exposed my weaknesses to the point I nearly walked out.
I can't afford to take the drop to a junior role so have decided to stay in sales / account management!
Procurement has been a huge growth area for the last few years as all businesses have recognised the need to control costs.
I spent some time as a head of procurement and when recruiting category managers I was never really bothered about CIPS. That said, each head of procurement who has worked for me has always looked for CIPS. Everyone I know who has it has self funded.
OP I’d get yourself signed up for CIPS and stick at the CV. You’re going to need to start low down and, if you have any aptitude, you’ll have a chance to work up.
It’s a fascinating job - usually maligned by anyone in sales too stupid to realise procurement are their friends - and as above you should be one involved in all parts of a business.
Stick at it.
I spent some time as a head of procurement and when recruiting category managers I was never really bothered about CIPS. That said, each head of procurement who has worked for me has always looked for CIPS. Everyone I know who has it has self funded.
OP I’d get yourself signed up for CIPS and stick at the CV. You’re going to need to start low down and, if you have any aptitude, you’ll have a chance to work up.
It’s a fascinating job - usually maligned by anyone in sales too stupid to realise procurement are their friends - and as above you should be one involved in all parts of a business.
Stick at it.
Ex Buyer here.
Self funded MCIPS, simply bought the books, read them a lot, and took the exams.
Structure your studying appropriately. Personally I'm old school so read each chapter and took notes. About 6 weeks or so prior to the exam I condensed my notes to no more than 2 A4 pages per chapter, and 2 weeks before condensed again ro no more than 2 sides of A4 per book.
Worked for me. Though CIPS have changed the syllabus and approach now i believe. Other studying styles available, YMMV.
As for why "Ex" Buyer, I moved to the sales side of the table (Currently doing IACCM). No particular reaon other than fancied a change.
In terms of the role itself I personally found it's a role which encourages you to ask questions and apply common sense - critical thinking is key and if you do it well you'll develop a range of other transferrable skills.
Finding a company which values the profession is also key - public and private sector organisations face very different challenges in some regards (same in others).
Any questions just ask.
Self funded MCIPS, simply bought the books, read them a lot, and took the exams.
Structure your studying appropriately. Personally I'm old school so read each chapter and took notes. About 6 weeks or so prior to the exam I condensed my notes to no more than 2 A4 pages per chapter, and 2 weeks before condensed again ro no more than 2 sides of A4 per book.
Worked for me. Though CIPS have changed the syllabus and approach now i believe. Other studying styles available, YMMV.
As for why "Ex" Buyer, I moved to the sales side of the table (Currently doing IACCM). No particular reaon other than fancied a change.
In terms of the role itself I personally found it's a role which encourages you to ask questions and apply common sense - critical thinking is key and if you do it well you'll develop a range of other transferrable skills.
Finding a company which values the profession is also key - public and private sector organisations face very different challenges in some regards (same in others).
Any questions just ask.
Edited by Previous on Wednesday 16th October 12:08
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