How To Become a Procurement Specialist?

Table of Contents

• What is a Procurement Specialist?
• What Does a Procurement Specialist Do?
• Procurement Specialist Skills
• Procurement Specialist Duties and Responsibility
• How Much Does a Procurement Specialist Make?
• Why do Businesses Need a Procurement Specialist?
• How to Become a Procurement Specialist?
• Conclusion

What is a Procurement Specialist?

A Procurement Specialist is a person or individual who purchases products, services, or raw materials on behalf of their organisation to develop their own offerings to their customers. The key responsibilities of a procurement specialist include negotiating the purchase agreement,  reaching out to suppliers, and making sure that the product, services, or material meets the standards set by the business.

What Does a Procurement Specialist Do?

 The Procurement Specialist, also referred to as the Purchasing Manager, is responsible for sourcing the product or services, negotiating for the best deals possible while staying within the budget, managing procurement contracts, and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers. 

Procurement Specialist Skills

A Procurement Specialist’s main job is to make sure that their business is getting the best quality products, services or raw materials at the lowest cost possible. To achieve this, they need necessary procurement insights and skills, such as:

• Negotiation: It is one of the important skills needed in procurement. Itt helps Professionals to secure profitable supplier contracts with the best deals possible. 
• Communication: Communication is the key to establishing a smooth-running procurement process. Clear communication helps the Specialist effectively manage different procurement activities and tackle challenges quickly.
• Problem Solving: This skill enables the Procurement Specialist to address unforseen challenges, assess possible solutions and implement them within the resources available to him/her. 
• Analytical Skills: Analytical abilities enable Procurement Specialists to pick the right supplier, right product and negotiate the right terms that protect their business interests. 
• Decision-Making Skills:  As Procurement Specialists are faced with making decisions related to sourcing materials, picking suppliers and negotiating terms, they must be adept at considering the pros and cons of every decision and choosing the best plan of action for all parties involved. 

Procurement Specialist Duties and Responsibility

Procurement Specialists act as a mediator between the company and the supplier. In addition to identifying new supply opportunities and negotiating purchase agreements. Procurement Specialists will also:

• Collect quotations, offers, and terms and conditions for the purchase
• Evaluate and negotiate vendor contracts
• Carry out management-approved purchase of products or services
• Keep track of stock and issue purchase orders as required.
• Make recommendations for new goods, services, or resources according to market trends.

How Much Does a Procurement Specialist Make?

The average salary of a procurement specialist is around $50,000- $60,000 per year, but actual compensation will vary depending on the location and size of the organisation, and the professional’s level of experience and expertise. 

Why do Businesses Need a Procurement Specialist?

• They Help Companies Develop their Offerings 

  Procurement Specialists enable their companies to access the materials they need to develop their offerings. They source materials profitably, ensure timely delivery of goods and ultimately work to meet the goals of the organisation

• They Have In-Depth Knowledge:

  These Specialists manage the whole procurement process, including:

  • Knowledge of the quality requirements a supplier and their offerings must reach
  • Contacting Suppliers, getting quotations and favorably negotiating terms 
  • Identifying pain points in a Supply Chain and rectifying them 
  • Ensuring that company resources are utilised smartly in the procurement process. 

•  They Can Provide Training:

  Thanks to their extensive knowledge, they can help train new recruits and junior Procurement Professionals on the tricks of the trade. They help:

  • Guiding the procurement staff in becoming more productive
  • Instructing them on how to identify ideal suppliers and resources
  • Teaching them to use smart negotiation tactics and techniques
  • Overseeing their work and offering feedback to improve their performance 

How to Get a Procurement Specialist Certificate?

Now that you know what Procurement Specialists do,  it is time to go further and understand how you can become a procurement specialist. There are several ways to do so, but the most convenient way is to enroll in an online course. 

Online courses offer flexibility, affordability, and upskilling certifications are widely respected by hiring managers. Online courses are typically self-paced, helping you learn on the go, without disturbing your full-time commitments or hectic schedule. With UniAthena’s Procurement Management courses, you can earn a procurement specialist certificate to boost your career and stay ahead in this competitive world.

Conclusion

Procurement Specialists play a very important role in helping companies deliver quality products, gain customers and drive a profit. With their research and communication skills, they can source quality materials from suppliers at an appropriate price. They also streamline the overall Procurement process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. 

We hope this blog helped to give you a clear idea about procurement specialists. Please let us know what you think by leaving a comment below! Additionally, remember to check out UniAthena's other free learning options.