The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Operations Analyst / Coordinator
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Data analysis, process adherence, internal stakeholder communication, basic problem-solving for operational issues.
You're ready to move on when
- You're the go-to person for operational data requests.
- You've successfully managed small projects or process improvements.
- You're comfortable communicating with different teams and external parties.
- You've shown a keen eye for detail in your work.
- 2
Procurement Support / Assistant Buyer
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Vendor interaction, contract basics, purchase order processing, understanding of supply chain fundamentals, negotiation support.
You're ready to move on when
- You've managed a small portfolio of non-strategic vendors.
- You're adept at navigating procurement systems.
- You've supported contract renewals or basic sourcing activities.
- You understand the importance of supplier compliance.
- 3
Customer Service / Account Coordinator (B2B)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Client relationship management, issue resolution, understanding client needs, communication under pressure, managing expectations.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully managed a portfolio of business clients.
- You're skilled at de-escalating customer issues.
- You can translate client needs into actionable tasks for internal teams.
- You've consistently met or exceeded customer satisfaction targets.