If the role of a Procurement Manager interests you, here’s an example of a job description taken from a job ad on MyCareersFuture:
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with organisational goals
- Manage the procurement process from requisition to purchase order, ensuring compliance with policies
- Negotiate contracts with suppliers to secure favourable terms and pricing
- Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular evaluations to ensure quality and reliability
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify procurement needs and develop specifications
- Maintain accurate records of procurement activities and prepare reports for management
- Stay updated on market trends and changes in the procurement landscape
- Lead and mentor procurement staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
For context, “new collar jobs” are jobs that requiring a combination of technical skills without the need for a specialised degree.
Employers understand now that formal education is not always the best indicator of capability — what truly matters is whether a candidate has the right skills and mindset to perform in a fast-evolving workplace.
Shangari Manoharan, Associate Director of Technical Practice at Michael Page, shares more about this genre of new collar role in the sector, and useful tips for jobseekers and career switchers about it.
Why are Procurement Managers considered “new collar”?
Procurement today focuses more on strategy, data and stakeholder management than just transactions. For an experienced Procurement Manager, hands-on experience with supplier negotiations and cost optimisation are often gained on the job or through certifications. That’s more valuable than a formal degree.
What has in the sector that has led to this role becoming prominent and needed?
The Procurement function has evolved from cost cutting to value creation. We observe that a clear shift from intuition-led to data-led procurement is what defines these roles as “new collar.”
What are the career and salary prospects of this role?
Mid-level managers earn between $6,000-$9,000, while senior managers and regional leaders can earn $10,000-$15,000+.
Procurement leadership roles are increasingly part of the executive pipeline.
What are the skillsets required in order to take up this role?
The relevant skillsets for Procurement Managers would be supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, spend analytics, risk mitigation, and e-procurement tools (e.g., Coupa, SAP Ariba), while sustainable sourcing practices will be an advantage.
Looking for a new role? Explore over 100,000 jobs available on MyCareersFuture now!
For mid-career switchers, what is necessary in order to move from another industry or job into this role?
Start with a role in sourcing, operations or finance. Obtain certifications such as CIPS or CPSM, and demonstrate negotiation and stakeholder engagement in cross-functional projects.
Is this role needed for more than one industry? What are the unique skillsets that would differ for this role from industry to industry that are worth picking up for better career health?
Procurement Managers are essential across broad industries which includes manufacturing, healthcare, FMCG, public sector and tech. FMCG values speed and cost management, public procurement emphasises compliance, whilst tech may focus more on global sourcing and agility.
This article was done in collaboration with Michael Page.
