Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Working Life

Procurement management involves buying the goods and services that enable an organisation to operate in a profitable and ethical manner. Responsibilities vary from sourcing raw materials and services to managing contracts and relationships with suppliers.

The duties of a procurement manager is similar to that of a buyer, or purchases, but typically has more strategic input and responsibilities compared to a buyer. Procurement managers focus on researching, negotiation and planning, while purchasing managers place purchase orders and arrange payments.

Procurement managers might deal with anything from office furniture to helicopters, timber for a shed manufacturing company to paper for a printing company, security services for a hospital to horses for the police force - the list is endless.

They research prices and past performances of potential suppliers and negotiate with them to agree the best possible price and quality.

They make sure that they get the best value for money, that the company is holding the right amount of stock and that it has the appropriate suppliers in place to deliver the goods and services needed. They may have supply chain management duties in smaller businesses which do not employ a supply chain manager.

When they have chosen a supplier, they agree the terms of the contract. They need to consider the legal aspects of buying and selling, and to understand the business needs and processes of their organisation.

They use their knowledge of market conditions to forecast the availability and prices of supplies in order to buy at the right time.

Procurement is an international profession and buyers might need to travel to meet suppliers across the world.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
• Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
• Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
• Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
• Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
• Authorise payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
• Monitor and analyse sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.
• Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
• Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
• Conduct sales meetings to introduce new merchandise.

Further Information

• Buyer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Media buyer/planner- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Procurement managers are typically very experienced and often start out in sales or buying/purchasing but can also come from a supply chain and logistics background and then progress to procurement officers or analysts before taking another step up to procurement management.

Relevant subject areas include business studies, economics, marketing, retail management or logistics and supply chain management. For some jobs, employers look for applicants with a technical or scientific background (in pharmaceuticals for example), and foreign language skills could be useful if you are buying from other countries.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering technology, engineering operations, business, logistics, distribution, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business management, sales, logistics, distribution, supply chain, procurement and business contracting, logistics, purchasing and procurement, pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Logistics, Supply, Lean Sigma Management.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: manufacturing engineering, manufacturing engineering design, quantity surveying, logistics and supply chain management, business studies, law.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: procurement, supply chain management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Membership in professional organisations can give you access to events and training and can demonstrate that you have a certain level of qualification and experience. There are  a number of courses for procurement officers and managers which are recognised and sought after by most employers in this industry.

Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS)

Irish Production & Inventory Control Society (IPICS)

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €120k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Clark / Sigmar/ Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Excel

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Buyers and procurement officers; Marketing associate professionals; Estate agents and auctioneers; Conference and exhibition managers; and organisers Property, housing and estate managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong employment growth rate for this occupation, employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022. Employment is spread across a number of roles including marketing associate professionals, buyers & procurement officers, conference/expo managers and estate agents. Employment permits issued in 2022 were primarily for roles in the ICT sector such as digital marketing and accounts managers with language skills required for some.

The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues in sourcing candidates for procurement roles. The number of job adverts for this role grew in 2022, driven by increases for buyers/procurement officers and conference organisers etc. In addition, procurement/tendering documentation skills were not confined to this occupation, but were also in demand outside of sales roles, albeit in small numbers.

• Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS)

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• Irish Production & Inventory Control Society (IPICS)

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