What does a Procurement Assistant do?

A procurement assistant helps with the ordering and purchasing of supplies for a company. They may also be responsible for keeping track of inventory levels, negotiating prices with vendors, and preparing purchase orders.

Procurement Assistant job duties include:

• Assist in the development of procurement plans and strategies
• Identify and assess supplier risks and opportunities
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers
• Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance and compliance
• Prepare and issue purchase orders to suppliers
• Track deliveries of goods and services from suppliers
• Resolve issues with suppliers in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate records of all procurement activities

Procurement Assistant Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for becoming a procurement assistant, although most employers prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require or prefer candidates who have completed postsecondary coursework in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field. Certification is not required to become a procurement assistant, but some employers may prefer or require candidates to have certification from the American Purchasing Society or the Institute for Supply Management. Procurement assistants typically need at least 1 year of experience working in procurement or a related field.

Procurement Assistant Skills

• Negotiation
• Organization
• Time Management
• Communication
• Presentation
• Customer Service
• Research
• Writing
• Data Entry
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Docs

Related: Top Procurement Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Procurement Assistant

A procurement assistant is responsible for providing support to the procurement team in the day-to-day running of the department. They are involved in a variety of tasks, from sourcing and ordering supplies to managing contracts and suppliers.

If you are interested in becoming a procurement assistant, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of landing the job. Firstly, it is important to have strong administrative skills. You should be able to organise and manage information efficiently, as well as have excellent communication skills.

Secondly, some experience in procurement or supply chain management would be beneficial. Even if you have not worked in this field before, any experience you have of dealing with suppliers, negotiating contracts or managing inventory will be helpful.

Thirdly, it is also important to be familiar with the relevant software and systems used in procurement. Many organisations use bespoke software to manage their procurement processes, so it would be advantageous to have some experience with this type of system.

Finally, it is also worth considering pursuing a qualification in procurement or supply chain management. There are many different courses available which can help you to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in this field.

Related: Procurement Assistant Resume Example

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