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
Procurement Associate / Junior Buyer
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Accurate PO processing, basic supplier communication, understanding P2P workflows, internal policy adherence, initial exposure to negotiation.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently error-free transactional work.
- Proactive in resolving basic supplier issues.
- Demonstrates a keen interest in learning more about sourcing strategies.
- Reliable and trusted to handle routine tasks independently.
- 2
Supply Chain Coordinator / Logistics Assistant
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding of logistics and inventory management, supplier scheduling, basic demand forecasting, cross-functional communication with operations.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven ability to manage supplier delivery schedules effectively.
- Strong organisational skills in a fast-moving environment.
- Understands the impact of supply chain on production or service delivery.
- Can identify and flag potential supply risks early.
- 3
Accounts Payable Specialist (with purchasing exposure)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Deep understanding of invoice processing, payment terms, reconciliation, and the financial aspects of supplier relationships. Exposure to PO matching and discrepancy resolution.
You're ready to move on when
- Expertise in the 'Pay' side of Procure-to-Pay.
- Excellent attention to detail with financial documents.
- Can identify and resolve common invoice-related procurement issues.
- Understands the financial implications of procurement decisions.