Are you looking to land a procurement and supply management job? If so, you’re in luck; the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects demand in this sector to grow by nearly 15% by the year 2026).
The BLS also projects that salaries will rise across the board, making procurement and supply management one of the highest-paying professions in the country.
In this guide, we’ll show you where to look when it comes to job opportunities as well as highlight which positions pay the most.
1. Procurement Officer
With a population of over 7 billion strong, human needs are many and varied. The procurement team is responsible for securing goods that fulfill these needs, ranging from pencils to airplanes.
That’s why procurement specialists are some of today’s highest paid professionals; the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average salary of $126,540 a year.
And with a median growth rate of nearly 10 percent between 2010 and 2022, their role in business will only continue to grow. You just need to get a diploma in procurement and supplies management.
2. Accountant
Accountants are in great demand, especially those who specialize in procurement. Accountants analyze the financial records of companies to ensure that inventory purchases are properly recorded.
Most employers offer internships, which is a great way to become familiar with your employer and industry before you graduate.
Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, though some employers may accept an associate’s degree along with relevant work experience or a certificate from an accredited program.
3. Financial Analyst
Overall employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than average.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job opportunities will be best for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting, especially if combined with computer skills since employers increasingly want workers who can analyze complex data using software programs such as Excel and Access.
4. Logistics Specialist
Requirements include a high school diploma, but some employers prefer candidates with college degrees in logistics or business. Entry-level positions pay between $25,000 and $35,000 per year.
The need for logistics specialists is expected to grow by 10 percent by 2022. This field is dominated by men; women make up only 15 percent of supply management professionals. ( Bureau of Labor Statistics )
5. Operations Manager
Operations managers are responsible for ensuring their company delivers consistent, high-quality products or services.
They plan daily operations, train employees, oversee inventory management, maintain quality control standards, and report to higher-ups in a company on any developments that could disrupt business.
Successful operations managers also make sure their departments follow all safety protocols set forth by the company’s top executives.
At every level of an organization — from fast-food chains to construction companies—procuring operations managers can find jobs both in the manufacturing and service industries.
6. Technical Sales Specialist
Technical sales specialists may spend most of their time on customer sites, where they can meet with top engineers who need an array of products and components.
They sell to engineering departments as well as manufacturing, production, R & D, marketing, purchasing agents, purchasing managers, or any other procurement professionals.
There are no formal educational requirements to become a technical sales specialist; you only need a Procurement and Supply Management Professionals certificate with a technical background
7. Purchasing Agent
There are many jobs in different industries that would be a great fit for procurement and supply management professionals. Purchasing agents can find job opportunities with online retailers, shipping companies, manufacturing companies, and more.
This type of professional is responsible for finding new suppliers to keep costs low and quality high. The salary range for a purchasing agent depends on what industry they work in.
However, it’s generally between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience level.
8. Buyer/Supply Chain Manager
The Buyer/Supply Chain Manager is responsible for determining a firm’s sourcing requirements; conducting market research; identifying, researching, and selecting suppliers; maintaining supplier relationships; monitoring suppliers’ production performance, quality control, and compliance with contractual agreements, and meeting delivery schedules.
Not only do BSCMs manage specific departments or functions, but they also often perform tasks associated with general management in an organization. They coordinate various aspects of procurement from initial request to order placement to aftermarket service.
9. Quality Inspector
A quality inspector is responsible for measuring and inspecting products. The job can be very lucrative, but competition is intense.
Quality inspectors must earn a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering or industrial engineering, as well as pass an exam administered by a professional association such as ASQ or ASME.
