By Brice Malm, Director of the Procurement and Supply Chain practice at Grant Alexander, Human Capital and Procurement Transformation Expert.
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Imagine you have to make a decision between two positions. Which one would you choose? One is internal, the other external. Only you can define the trajectory that suits you, and this introspective exercise will allow you to better anticipate your future decisions.
In this article, I will give you 3 essential keys to succeed in your procurement career, answering questions that often arise when making choices.
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> Telling your story
A career in procurement is not just a list of missions or projects. It’s about telling your journey coherently, showing how you’ve succeeded in different contexts.
Did you excel in a crisis situation? Did you contribute to the development of a team or tackle the challenges of an organization in transformation? These elements will add depth to your profile and help better highlight your achievements.
To emphasize the richness of your experience, it’s important to demonstrate how you have contributed to three essential dimensions, which are typically found in a procurement department’s roadmap:
Synergy and smart cost savings
This is not just about reducing costs. It’s about creating value while meeting the company’s strategic objectives.Developing maturity
Some Procurement departments are already well established with clear processes, while others need to be created or redefined. One of a CPO’s key roles is to advance this function by enhancing team professionalism, introducing best practices, and reinforcing the strategic impact of procurement.Team development and sustainable excellence
You must demonstrate how you contributed to implementing tools and processes that ensure sustainable results. One key to success is leaving behind standards of excellence that will endure after you depart. The resilience of the processes and methods you have implemented will reflect your long-term impact.
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> The question of the ceiling
The first question to ask yourself is often: “Have I outgrown my role?” Here are the elements to consider when answering this:
Content ceiling: Are you still learning in your current role? Do you still enjoy what you’re doing? Can you expand your scope to other tactical or strategic topics, such as responsible procurement?
Structural ceiling: Are the growth opportunities in your company clear? Do you have vertical or horizontal mobility options?
Salary ceiling: Does your compensation meet your expectations and market standards? If you feel you are not aligned with what you could get elsewhere, it might be time to explore other opportunities.
And of course, take into account your company’s context: Is your company in a phase of sale, acquisition, reorganization, or crisis? It’s common for a new leadership team to bring in their own. If you answer these questions positively, you can start thinking about your career direction.
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> Choosing expertise or management
If I say that management is not a mandatory path for a successful career in Procurement, you will still face this essential question during your career. For a long time, career progression was often linked to management positions. However, this path is not the only one, and it does not suit everyone. Today, more and more companies are revaluing the roles of technical experts who deeply understand the complexities of the profession. This translates into career paths dedicated to technical experts, with advancement levels comparable to those of managers. Specific recognition systems, such as bonuses or prestigious titles with a seat on the procurement executive committee, allow these profiles to be valued.
Article by Brice Malm, Director of the Procurement and Supply Chain practice, for the Conseil National des Achats (available for download on the CNA website in the media library section under magazines).