Procurement Jobs

It’s difficult for an organisation to thrive in the long run without the intervention of a group of proficient procurement experts in business operations. In other words, procurement managers are the backbone of the functions of an organisational structure. 

Naturally, the demand for procurement jobs in the Gulf always remains on the higher side. If you wish to pursue your career as a procurement professional, you need some insights into the industry and the core responsibilities of procurement jobs. 

What is Procurement? 

Every company’s fundamental operations rely on specific resources, and ensuring an adequate supply of these resources is called procurement. These resources can be services or goods; procurement managers and executives must source them constantly to keep the business operations going. 

What are the Responsibilities of a Procurement Professional? 

A. Sourcing and Contracting 

Sourcing procurement and contracting are integral parts of a procurement job profile. As a procurement professional, you will scrutinise c market to shortlist vendors with the highest credentials. The shortlisting process is based on who can provide the most competent product values. Contracting involves the settlement procedures between vendors and your organisation. 

B. Buying and Purchasing

A procurement professional is expected to carry out buying and purchasing goods for business operations. Purchasing refers to contractual transactions and sourcing big products, while buying refers to sourcing goods of small and medium sizes. 

C. Supplier Relationship Management 

The responsibility of ensuring decent business relationships with suppliers also comes under the primary duties of a procurement professional. Procurement executives are the ones who keep in touch with suppliers and ensure seamless sourcing of goods and products. 

D. Risk Management 

Another vital aspect of a procurement job profile is risk assessment. A procurement professional assesses the probable threats that may interrupt the normal flow of sourcing and are responsible for minimising these threats. 

What Qualifications are Required for a Procurement Role? 

From an educational perspective, a procurement specialist must have a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Management, Material Management, or any other business-related field. Completing your graduation in these disciplines qualifies you for a procurement role. 

Regarding professional qualifications, your chances of getting hired as a procurement specialist increase if you have on-field experience in supply chain management or procurement. A professional development course specialising in procurement also strengthens your odds.

What Skills Should a Procurement Professional Have? 

Every job profile demands certain skill sets, and the role of a procurement specialist is no exception. Here we are mentioning some basic skills a procurement specialist must have. 

A. Adequate Market Knowledge 

Profound market knowledge is the key to success as a procurement specialist. In-depth market knowledge helps connect with the most qualified vendors. 

B. Negotiation Skills 

Strong negotiation skills are a plus for a procurement professional, as they help get the best value for products and goods. 

C. Communication Skills 

Procurement professionals must communicate confidently to perform better in their job roles. They are to share with potential vendors the supply of necessary goods and items, and that’s why decent communication skills are needed. 

D. Analytical Skills 

Strong analytical skills help a procurement executive analyse all the statistics and facts related to sourcing and supply chain management. 

E. Project Management Skills 

Procurement professionals must possess project management skills, as they may have to handle multiple projects simultaneously. 

FAQs on Procurement Jobs in Gulf

1. What Kind of Employers Hire Procurement Professionals? 

Procurement professionals are hired chiefly in the retail and supply chain sector. Here are certain companies that are always in need of procurement professionals.

• Retail companies
• eCommerce companies
• Engineering firms
• Consultancy firms, and
• Supply chain Companies like ITC, TCS, IBM, and Genpact frequently hire procurement managers.

2. What are the Opportunities in Procurement? 

You may be promoted to procurement manager after working as a procurement executive or specialist in a specific company for a few years. Also, you stand a chance to become a domain consultant or a supply chain administrator. 

3. What is the Average Salary for a Procurement Professional? 

The procurement professional salary in the Gulf starts from AED 4000 and goes up to AED 13500 per month, and the average stands at AED 7000 per month. 

4. What are the Latest Trends in Procurement? 

Integrating AI into procurement is the most stunning upgrade in conventional procurement procedures. AI-based procurement software and tools have minimised the workload of procurement specialists to a large extent. 

The procurement industry is expected to thrive to the highest degree in the coming years due to AI-integrated solutions.