Procurement Manager Career Guide

Sample job description

The procurement manager leads the procurement team and will manage the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the procurement of goods and services across all departments within the company. This includes determining product and service needs, negotiating agreements with suppliers and vendors, and preparing and reviewing contracts. You will specialize in raising supplier performance, implementing cost-effective purchases, and ensuring quality control. You must educate employees on applicable purchasing policies, conduct continual analysis of the procurement process, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, policies, procedures, and contracts. The procurement manager will control the procurement budget while also working closely with the finance team on project cost management. You will approve purchase orders, and organize and confirm the delivery of goods and services. As an ideal candidate, you have proven experience in managing supply chain operations, in-depth knowledge of supply chain management software and tools, and exceptional problem-solving and negotiating skills.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Lead and manage procurement team and provide guidance on the procurement process
• Determine a company or organization’s product and service needs
• Build and maintain strong and long-term relationships with vendors and suppliers 
• Strategize and negotiate with suppliers and vendors to acquire the most cost-effective deals
• Develop procurement strategies to reduce procurement expenses
• Approve purchase orders, organize the delivery of goods and services, and ensure quality control
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory supply chain management requirements, policies, and procedures
• Control procurement budget and manage company spending
• Identify areas of improvement to drive performance and business results
• Conduct analysis and prepare procurement reports

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, contract management, supply chain management, logistics, accounting, or related field
• Master’s degree a plus
• 5+ years of related experience

Required skills and qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of supply chain management software and tools including Oracle, SAP Ariba, and/or Envision
• Exceptional networking and negotiating skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• High-level attention to detail
• Excellent management and leadership skills 
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred qualifications

• Previous experience managing supply chain operations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Procurement and/or supply chain management certification
• Negotiation and financial management experience

Available certifications

Some employers may require an industry-recognized certification. There are several certifications available for procurement managers that can help further your education and expertise in this field. 

• Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) Certification. The Certified Purchasing Professional (CCP) Certification is offered by the American Purchasing Society. The program is for professionals who have demonstrated the skills to successfully implement improved purchasing and supply chain practices as part of a business solution in an organization. The CCP certification is valid for 5 years and candidates must earn a certain number of professional “points” to renew their certification. Certifications can be renewed through a combination of purchasing-related experience, education, and professional contributions (such as published articles or delivered speeches).

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Credential. The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential is offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management. The program will help candidates demonstrate knowledge of the essential technology, concepts, and strategies in today’s extended supply chain. Applicants must have 3 years of relevant business experience or a bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible for the CSCP credential. The credential is valid for 5 years and candidates must earn a certain number of professional development points to renew their certification.

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Credential. The Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) credential is offered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council. The program is best suited for individuals that are responsible for performing essential functions within the procurement cycle for a public/governmental entity but may or may not have management or supervisory responsibilities. Applicants must serve in responsible procurement positions with their organization. Two different requirement options are available for applicants. Option 1 requires applicants to have completed a 2-year education program from a post-secondary institution or higher, have 3 or more years of procurement experience, and have completed 72 contact hours of coursework/training. Option 2 does not require applicants to have a degree but requires at least 5 years of procurement experience and to have completed 72 contact hours of coursework/training. The certification must be renewed every 5 years by completing continuing education courses or attending procurement-related conferences or events.