The UK economy has begun its slow, steady uphill climb to recovery after 5 long years of cuts and collapses. But just because growth and recovery is in sight, doesn’t mean we forget the horrible times we went through and the lessons we learnt.

One of the valuable lessons many businesses will take away from the harrowing experience of the recession is that procurement staff are more important and valuable than they have previously been given credit for, and this is being reflected in the changes to roles and salaries being made in procurement.

So what are the benefits of entering and progressing in the world of procurement?

Procurement Opportunities Are Increasing

As we mentioned in a blog post earlier this year, the procurement job market is in the candidates favour, and according to a Reed Salary Guide and Market Insight survey, the number of opportunities for candidates went up 28% last year, and is predicted to rise even further as the economy recovers.

Procurement Salaries Are Rising

Companies are now realising the benefits procurement talent offer to their company, including optimising costs and savings, helping the company retain more profit and grow. And with the procurement job market being firmly in the candidates favour at present, it is more important than ever for them to hold onto their talent by offering better rewards and bidding higher than other employers when it comes to salaries.

Procurement Skills Are In Demand

With a procurement skills gap widening, being a qualified buying professional with a recognised qualification and skill set will open even more doors to you in the procurement sector, as well as giving you leverage when negotiating salaries and role details. In many cases, employers are now offering procurement staff CIPS training in order to help them progress within the business and to keep them onboard, as having a CIPS qualified professional will benefit the business in the future as well as the talent.

You Are Rewarded For Performance in Procurement

Because procurement professionals play a vital role within the company as they deal with million and billion pound contracts often on a global scale. They also have a large impact on the bottom line of the company, so professionals who perform well, showing an ability to present real commercial benefits such as savings and cost optimisation are considered valuable. And as mentioned before, with procurement professionals in high demand, rewards are being offered to demonstrate to procurement talent just how valuable they are to the company in order to keep them onboard and prevent them considering taking up other opportunities.

Rewards are often offered in the form of monetary bonuses and ample opportunities for salary increases based on performance targets, as well as exciting chances to travel due to the global nature of a procurement professional’s job within a large corporation, offering the chance to travel the world to meet with and build relationships with key players in the supply chain.

Think a procurement career move might be on the cards for you? Take the time to invest in your career and gain a valuable qualification that could better your prospects. As mentioned before, many employers are offering willing candidates the opportunity to have their CIPS training covered by the company, so take a look at what courses are available to help you progress in your procurement career.