Procurement Director / Supply Chain Director

A Procurement Director has the responsibility for the overall procurement function, leading on all procurement efforts to efficiently and effectively maximize value throughout the supply chain. You’ll need excellent leadership and professional skills, with a proven track record of senior management within a first-tier supplier or SMEs.

The CIPS Digital Academy provides access to learning programmes in procurement and supply. It enables your organisation to develop consistency in knowledge and skills and helps to reduce supply chain risk throughout your organisation.

If you’re looking to move into a role of a Procurement Director, you’ll need the following qualifications and skills.

• Significant experience in a tier 1 senior purchasing management role.
• In-depth related vendor management experience.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing commodity strategies to deliver improved supplier cost performance.
• Extensive knowledge of the fundamentals of purchasing.
• Experience with Industry standard ERP systems.
• Experience with global purchasing organisations and global suppliers..

There are a number of ways to help you on your journey to become a Procurement Director

CIPS Qualifications 

Browse through our university partners and accreditation statements to find an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme that suits your needs to help you achieve your internationally recognised professional designation. Upon completion of one of our accredited degree programmes, and following a minimum of three years' work experience in the procurement and supply profession, you’ll be eligible to apply for MCIPS.

In the UK, typically the Procurement Director gets paid on average £113,363 based on the UK Salary Guide 2023. A Procurement Director sits in the Advanced Professional level, the breakdown is as follows:

Advanced Professional

• UK: £89,031
• Australia: $208,066
• New Zealand: $182,900
• MENA: $123,790
• South Africa: ZAR 1,237K
• Sub-Saharan Africa $90,400
• North America: $125,504
• Europe: €127,846

Salaries may increase if you are studying with CIPS or change sector. To find out more about the salaries of procurement and supply professionals let our salary calculator do the hard work for you.

The Management Entry Route (MER) is designed for procurement professionals, operating in a senior strategic role. You'll receive a practical pathway that will guide you to MCIPS status, without having to go down the traditional learning and exam route. You will be assessed for your experience, knowledge and responsibility through an online assessment and a remote (Zoom/Teams) interview.

From contract management and negotiation to delivering social values, whatever skills you need to develop, we have the training.

Visit our Intelligence Hub for the latest insights and practical resources across key procurement and supply topics.

Find the latest supply chain and procurement vacancies in buying, category management, planning and logistics.