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How to secure a more senior procurement role

Written by: CIPS Procurement & Supply Jobs
Published on: 30 Jan 2020

When looking to move into a more senior procurement position, the key to success is to emphasise your accomplishments in your previous or current roles. This is what the hiring manager really wants to know. You need to sell your experience and the impact you had in your previous or current position.

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Ultimately, when looking to progress in the world of procurement, you need to outline how you were a valued asset at your previous organisations and how you can add value to the organisation at which you’re interviewing. To impress the hiring manager we delve into five top tips to secure a more senior procurement position.  

Five top tips to secure a senior procurement position

Know the Organisation inside and out

As a procurement professional, you will play a key part in the running of the company you’re interviewing at, therefore, it is vital that you do your research. Hiring managers want to see that you have made an effort and want to work where you are applying for. You might not be able to outline every process and system, but an understanding of what the company does, it’s culture and values can help to impress at the interview.

Demonstrate your ability to see the big picture

Procurement is a very financially focused profession and, therefore, you will need to be able to think rationally whilst also seeing problems from multiple angles. Procurement is often in charge of sustainability, along with other company targets, and changes with the political and economical environment can affect this area. As such, it is important to show how you can see the bigger picture and respond to situations in a way which is best for the company and aligns with their targets and goals. You can demonstrate this by using examples from your prior experience - which might not always be work-based.

Be passionate about the job

It goes without saying that you have to show your passion for the job during the interview. Make sure you understand exactly what will be required of you in the new role and read between the lines in the job description. Being able to say why you’re so interested in the position and tie it to what they’re looking for will give you the extra edge.

Highlight any management experience

Whilst a more senior role may not necessarily require you to manage people, highlighting your ability to do so will appeal to the hiring manager and demonstrate potential. Procurement roles often involve a lot of supplier management and meetings where you have to communicate effectively and deal with problems. The ability to manage others can help show your adeptness at handling these situations.

Outline your experience

Last but by no means least, make sure you outline how your experience relates to the current role. So your value can be noticed, demonstrate with real-life examples how you can help deliver against business targets and goals so that hiring managers identify your potential in the company.
The above advice doesn’t only apply to when you are interviewing.

Demonstrating the above in your CV and cover letter will help your application reach the top of the pile. Find out how you can write a compelling cover letter here.

Find your next procurement or supply chain role now