Variety for all your skills
There are several broad categories within a supply chain workforce. Once you have secured a role in one area, there is plenty of scope for variety in your work depending on your skill-set and aptitude. The sector is big enough for moves within a company to be effective career changes too, ensuring you are always enjoying your work.
Areas you may find attractive are:
Management (supply chain director, supply chain manager, facilities manager)Supply chain information systems (logistics analyst, process engineer, supply chain analyst, supply chain systems manager)Warehousing (warehouse operations manager, warehouse operative)Transportation (transportation manager, fleet manager)Inventory (inventory specialist, vendor-managed inventory/replenishment specialist)Materials and procurement (materials scheduler, materials analyst/manager, production analyst/manager, procurement analyst/purchasing manager)Sales and customer service (director of client management/engagement manager, account manager/sales representative, account specialist/customer service, customer service manager)
Management Pathways
With so many areas to choose from, you can easily apply yourself and progress from junior roles to assistant manager to management roles. Beyond Purchasing/Procurement Manager positions you can keep going and be promoted to Chief Operations Manager, Business Manager or even CEO.
Of course, your career requires continued learning, networking, qualifications, and being ready to take advantage of opportunities as they arrive or as you create them. If a change of lifestyle appeals, you could become a supply chain consultant, working with different clients to identify problems and opportunities, and implement solutions.
Job satisfaction
The aspects of Purchasing that make it enjoyable for many include;
- Scope for teamwork
- A feeling that you are making a difference within the company
- The ability to affect customer care positively
As you are directly involved in the sourcing and delivery of goods and services, there are many opportunities to experience your work being appreciated by suppliers, other departments, customers and colleagues. You can also choose to work in an industry that you feel passionate about such as hospitality, green products or finished goods.
Opportunities for all Genders
The supply chain sector is actively encouraging both women and men to begin or develop their supply chain careers. This is due to two main influences:
- Automation and machine advances have eliminated a lot of the manual labour that did not appeal to many women in the past.
- Many workers who have been with purchasing or procurement departments their entire career are now of retirement age, leaving plenty of opportunities for all genders to secure a rewarding role.
Leading Edge Technology and Systems
One of the areas embracing technology advancements at rapid rates is Purchasing and Procurement. Warehouse robotics, voice recognition, automated supply train and transportation, ridesharing type apps using GPS tracking, advanced software and virtual logistics teams are all exciting trends that are using technology to change supply chain management for the better.
Transferable Skills
If you are currently working in another business area such as operations, project management or administration you will find that there is a logical place for your skills within Purchasing. Transferable skills and knowledge in different supply chain roles and industries can include:
- Knowledge of logistics, supply chain management and transportation
- Financial planning
- Forecasting
- Workflow optimisation
- General management and business
- International business practices
- Knowledge of laws and regulations
- Mechanical skills
- Languages
There are employers seeking your skills in these areas, who will value you as a long-term addition to their purchasing or procurement team.
Easy to get Qualified
An online Diploma of Business (Procurement) (BSB50120) takes just 3 – 6 months to complete with full-time study or 12-24 months part-time. Your personalised learning plan will account for any recognition of prior learning and further shorten your time to achieve your qualification.
Start your Purchasing/Procurement journey today
Imagine yourself being in a new and exciting purchasing or procurement career only 6 – 12 months from now, experiencing great pay for rewarding work. You’ll be glad you made a smart career transition to procurement/purchasing sooner rather than later.