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
Graduate Programme / Internship
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding core procurement processes, mastering our P2P systems, building strong internal relationships, and developing basic analytical skills.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently accurate in all administrative tasks.
- Can independently run simple RFQs from start to finish.
- Proactively identifies and flags potential issues.
- Receives positive feedback from internal stakeholders on support provided.
- 2
Administrative Assistant / Office Manager
1-3 yearsSkills to master
- Organisation, attention to detail, managing multiple tasks, basic financial reconciliation, and strong communication skills. You'll need to pivot these skills towards a Procurement context.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrates exceptional organisational skills and process adherence.
- Can manage a small budget or track expenses accurately.
- Shows a keen interest in the 'why' behind purchasing decisions.
- Has experience dealing with external vendors or suppliers.
- 3
Customer Service / Operations Support
1-3 yearsSkills to master
- Problem-solving under pressure, clear communication, managing expectations, and understanding operational needs. You'll need to apply this to supplier and internal stakeholder management.
You're ready to move on when
- Excellent at de-escalating issues and finding practical solutions.
- Can clearly articulate complex information to different audiences.
- Understands the impact of supply chain issues on customer experience.
- Shows an ability to follow and improve operational procedures.