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 Coordinator / Junior Buyer
1-3 yearsSkills to master
- PO processing, basic contract administration, supplier query resolution, internal stakeholder support, understanding P2P systems.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently accurate and timely processing of procurement transactions.
- Proactive identification and resolution of basic operational issues.
- Positive feedback from internal teams on support provided.
- Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures and learn new systems quickly.
- 2
Supply Chain Administrator / Logistics Coordinator
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Order tracking, inventory management, logistics coordination, basic supplier communication, understanding of supply chain flows.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managing delivery schedules and resolving shipping discrepancies.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in managing supply chain data.
- Effective communication with logistics partners and internal operations.
- A clear understanding of how supply chain issues impact the broader business.
- 3
Customer Service / Account Manager (Supplier Side)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Client relationship management, understanding client needs, problem-solving, commercial awareness from a sales perspective, negotiation basics.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven ability to manage client expectations and resolve issues effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, building rapport quickly.
- A good grasp of commercial terms and how to deliver value to customers.
- An interest in understanding the 'other side' of the supplier relationship.