what is a procurement specialist?
A procurement specialist goes by many titles, including purchasing manager and buying agent. Whatever the term, your job is to help your company get products from other companies. You handle every step of acquiring goods, properties, and even services from other businesses. Typically, you keep track of inventory at your business and take note of when new items need to be purchased. You might also work with other coworkers to identify the needs that the business has. Once you find an item you need to order, you shop around, find the right seller, and negotiate the right price. Your tasks also include arranging delivery and ensuring products arrive on time.
industries that use procurement specialists
One of the leading industries for procurement specialists is consumer goods. In these jobs, you shop for the items that a store sells. Procurement specialists also work in manufacturing. In these situations, you shop for the materials and other raw goods that your business will turn into finished products. Other popular choices for procurement specialists include the technological and medical fields. You might help your business get computer hardware, medical devices, or other tools needed to achieve success.
Would working as a procurement specialist suit your ability to think creatively and thrive while multitasking? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a procurement specialist role.
view jobsaverage procurement specialist salary
The salary of a procurement specialist in Canada can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location, level of experience, education, and the specific industry or organization. According to our Salary Guide, in Canada, the salary range you can expect for a procurement specialist is:
- entry-level: an entry-level procurement specialist with little to no experience may earn an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $60,000.
- mid-level: procurement specialists with a few years of experience can typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 per year.
- experienced/senior: those with significant experience, advanced qualifications, or senior positions within procurement departments can earn well over $100,000 annually, sometimes reaching six figures.
- location variation: salaries can vary significantly based on the province and city in Canada. Major metropolitan areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary generally offer higher salaries to match the higher cost of living.
types of procurement specialists
Since this field contains so many different tasks, procurement specialists are usually categorized based on what they purchase. Some procurement specialists are direct purchasers that buy goods and services that are usually for resale. These specialists have very in-depth knowledge of the categories they work with and tend to spend a lot of time analyzing profit and inventory. Meanwhile, indirect procurement specialists buy whatever items the business needs to function. They don't purchase items that are for resale and instead buy things like materials. This job requires you to have a broad understanding of how the business works.
working as a procurement specialist
What's it like to be a procurement specialist? It's a challenging field that comes with a lot of opportunities to succeed. Here's what you can expect in the typical procurement specialist job.
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procurement specialist job description
What does a procurement specialist do? Being a procurement specialist means you're part of the operations team at your workplace. Some procurement specialists report to a manager while others work independently or oversee other buyers. The day-to-day life of a procurement specialist varies quite a lot. Depending on your job, you'll spend your time doing one or more of the following activities.
- managing product catalogs: this job task involves keeping track of products throughout the business. You make note of which products are needed and which products people already have. It might be your job to regularly take inventory or draft reports to see how much product you need to order. You also end up in a lot of meetings talking about product needs from other departments.
- negotiating purchase agreements: your job includes the task of getting the best purchase price possible. You'll be authorized to suggest different price points and try to find profitable agreements. For example, you could end up agreeing to buy pens in bulk because you can get a much better deal overall. This often includes a lot of networking and leveraging business contacts to make desirable deals.
- suggesting product usage policies: some purchasing specialists get involved in workplace policy. You might do things like suggest a change to rules about how often employees reuse tools. This task requires you to have a close knowledge of how the workplace runs so you can find ways to improve it. It may be worthwhile to connect with other employees at your job site to get a better understanding of daily operations and what items you need to procure.
- coordinating product delivery: it’s also your responsibility to handle the process of getting supplies to the business. You'll need to do everything from schedule deliveries to authorize payment. This task also involves handling details like monitoring supplier performance and tracking contract terms.
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work environment
If you get bored when stuck in the same cubicle all day, being a procurement specialist is probably the right job for you. This job requires you to be comfortable moving from location to location. Sometimes you'll be analyzing spreadsheets at a desk, while other days, you'll be walking across the building to chat with coworkers. Though you have the option of doing some tasks remotely, you might travel quite a bit. Some procurement specialists fly all over the world to meet with various suppliers.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include materials handlers, accountants, administrative assistants, and office managers. You'll also be working in close proximity to shipping and receiving clerks. Sometimes you also encounter other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, production supervisors, accounts payable clerks, or marketing managers.
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work schedule
Being a procurement specialist is usually a full-time job. The majority of procurement specialists work standard shifts from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. However, due to the responsibilities of your job, you typically need to be working whenever your industry contacts are at work. If you're purchasing items from people in different time zones, this leads to some unconventional hours. Even if you don't work all weekend or through the night, you can expect the occasional meeting on a weekend, evening, or early morning. The procurement specialist schedule works well for people who enjoy a flexible work week. Though there are periods of downtime, you also end up working overtime when several orders happen at once.
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job outlook
Procurement specialists can follow a wide range of careers. With experience, you can progress to more senior roles in purchasing and procurement. Many make the leap into procurement management and related positions.
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advantages of finding a procurement specialist job through Randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
procurement specialist skills and education
The education requirements to become a procurement specialist in Canada can vary depending on the employer, the specific job, and the level of responsibility. However, many procurement specialists typically have a combination of education and relevant experience. Here are the typical educational paths and qualifications that can help you pursue a career as a procurement specialist in Canada:
- bachelor's degree: a bachelor's degree is often considered the minimum educational requirement for entry-level procurement positions. Common fields of study include:
- supply chain management: a degree in supply chain management or logistics provides a strong foundation in procurement and sourcing practices.
- business administration: a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on operations management, procurement, or supply chain can be relevant.
- finance: degrees in finance can be valuable for procurement roles, especially when dealing with cost analysis, budgeting, and financial aspects of procurement.
- economics: economics degrees can be beneficial for understanding market dynamics, pricing strategies, and economic factors that affect procurement decisions.
- certifications: while not always mandatory, obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your qualifications as a procurement specialist. Some recognized certifications in the field include:
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM): offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), this certification focuses on procurement and supply management skills.
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): offered by APICS, this certification covers various aspects of supply chain management, including procurement.
- Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS): this UK-based certification is recognized globally and offers various levels of certification.
- master's degree: some procurement specialists choose to pursue a master's degree (e.g., Master of Business Administration, Master of Supply Chain Management) to advance their careers, especially for leadership or management roles.
- experience: in addition to education, gaining practical experience is crucial. Many employers look for candidates with relevant work experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management. Entry-level positions or internships can be a great way to start building this experience.
- continuous learning: the field of procurement is dynamic, and ongoing learning is essential. Staying updated with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies through workshops, seminars, and online courses can be valuable.
skills and competencies
To excel as a procurement specialist, you need a broad range of skills.
A lot of your job involves talking to others, so you need strong communication skills. This includes the ability to perform the following tasks.
- learning your coworkers' needs
- communicating professionally with suppliers
- negotiating effectively about prices
- creating clear reports for your managers
Analytical skills are one of the most important traits you need to have. Your job involves acquiring a lot of information and then thinking logically about it. Your employer will rely on you to carefully consider purchasing orders, weigh the pros and cons of various suppliers, and pick the best options.
You usually don't need specialized technical knowledge. However, you do have to be comfortable working with computers. You need to understand common software like Excel and Word, and your employers might require you to learn specific industry software.
Finally, there are a lot of different organizational and office skills you need. These will help you stay on track while managing many different tasks.
- attention to detail
- multitasking
- time management
- data sorting
- meeting deadlines
FAQs about working as a procurement specialist
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about procurement specialists.
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how is a procurement specialist different from a buyer?
Buyers focus specifically on buying products their companies can resell to consumers. While some procurement specialists do this, their focus is not on marketing to consumers. Instead, their priority is products that make their organization run effectively.
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is being a procurement specialist challenging?
This is a complex job that works well for people who like a challenge. If you like the excitement of handling many important tasks and the satisfaction of keeping a business running, this might be the job for you.
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what's the highest position in procurement?
If you're interested in advancement, aim for the role of chief procurement officer. This managerial role involves handling multiple procurement specialists for a big company.
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what are the seven stages of procurement?
The seven stages of procurement are a popular technique for handling product ordering. Many businesses use this strategy, so it's essential to understand it. The steps are recognizing needs, reviewing requisitions, soliciting orders, evaluating contracts, managing orders, approving invoices, and keeping records.
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which industry is best for procurement?
If you want a career field with a lot of growth, the best option is consumer goods or tech. Both of these fields have expanding procurement needs. Other high-paying industries with a lot of jobs include food and beverage, medical devices, pharmacology, and consulting.
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how do I find a job as a procurement specialist?
Finding a job near you as a procurement specialist is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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