General
These positions are varied and sometimes a specific degree may be required such as engineering, but people can generally be taken on from a variety of graduate backgrounds. Companies will be looking for people who can think logically, take on responsibility and make correct decisions quickly so that processes will continue to run smoothly no matter what problems are occurring. This means that you will have to be analytical and a good problem solver so you can make sharp decisions. Planning and organisational skills are essential to ensure people and produce are in the right place and the right times and reduce possible problems. Being a people person and good communicator also helps.

Procurement & Supply
Purchasing professionals need to be great negotiators with excellent communication skills and able to create and maintain good working relationships with different suppliers. Purchasing is a career path that always presents a challenge, so energy and enthusiasm is a must along with a problem solving attitude and the ability to work in a team. Skills such as strong time management, initiative, flexibility, self-discipline, motivation, precision, planning and prioritisation will help you go a long way.

Other areas of the purchasing and supply profession include supply chain management, logistics, operations, warehousing, distribution, category management, contract manager and e-procurement manager. Different areas of the profession require different types of people. Suppliers need to be reliable and efficient to keep the supply chain running smoothly. Supply chain managers need great management skills and will take on a great deal of logistics and project management tasks.

The challenges can differ depending on which sector you work in. Charity and local government positions need to keep costs down but still providing quality products and retail buyers need to ethically source their materials. This proves that there is one skill all purchasers need; the ability to solve problems.

Procurement & Supply element written by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply. Find out more at www.cips.org.