How Do I Become a Procurement Administrator?

An individual hoping to become a procurement administrator should meet the basic educational requirements for the profession. Candidates should have an understanding of procuring raw materials, quality control, and cost management. In addition, such professionals should also possess some of the basic skills that make a procurement administrator successful, such as analytical ability, contract management skills, and experience with record maintenance.

Procurement administrators are often called purchasing agents, buyers, or specialists. As the job title indicates, they procure the materials, goods, and services a company needs to operate and thrive. Procurement professionals work with vendors and suppliers to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the company and the customers who desire quality products and services.

Obtain education relevant to the position, if you want to become a procurement administrator. Although specific requirements may vary depending on the employer, most require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Degree options can include economics, business administration, and finance. In addition, degrees based on applied sciences, such as engineering or material science, are also appropriate options for an individual working to become a procurement administrator.

A candidate hoping to become a procurement administrator should have an understanding of the basic concepts related to being successful in the position. This includes knowledge pertaining to the raw materials that go into producing products. An understanding of basic economic concepts, such as supply and demand analysis, is also necessary for those hoping to secure a job in purchasing. Other concepts essential to the position include quality control and cost management.

Analytical ability is one of the essential skills needed to become a procurement administrator. This allows you to make informed decisions on matters related to identifying the products or services your company needs, procuring products, and meeting consumer demand. In addition, those individuals who can accurately analyze a situation can be successful in other aspects of the job, like in contract negotiation. Other important skills often include solid communication skills and mathematical ability.

Beyond obtaining the education and skills required to be successful in the position, you should also seek out opportunities to gain experience in the field. This can be done by participating in internships and cooperative opportunities while in college. In addition, training opportunities exist in other departments that can help you build the skill set necessary for a procurement position. Options may include working in supply-chain management or finance. Typically, a company will train an individual on the specifics related to its business, such as preferred suppliers and market trends, to prepare him for further responsibilities as procurement professional.