Procurement Clerk

Your Fit

Income

$47K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-7.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Procurement Clerk?

A Procurement Clerk, also known as a Purchasing Clerk, plays a crucial role in acquiring products and services for a company. They manage and facilitate the procurement process, including order placement, tracking deliveries, and maintaining inventory records.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Procurement Clerk.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Procurement Clerk earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$34K per year	$39K per year	$47K per year	$55K per year	$63K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $1.39K below the national average.

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What does a Procurement Clerk do?

Work environment

Procurement Clerks typically work in an office environment, often within the purchasing department of a company. Their role involves regular interaction with suppliers and internal departments, and may require extensive use of computer systems for order processing and inventory management.

Quick task list

Places and tracks orders with suppliers.
Maintains records of purchases, pricing, and other important data.
Coordinates with internal departments to understand procurement needs.
Ensures timely delivery of goods and services.
Manages inventory levels and reorder processes.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Vendor Management: Focusing on building and maintaining relationships with suppliers.
Inventory Control: Specializing in monitoring and managing inventory levels.
Contract Negotiation: Handling negotiations for better pricing and terms with suppliers.
Procurement Analysis: Analyzing procurement processes to identify efficiency improvements.
Sustainable Procurement: Concentrating on acquiring goods and services in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Description

Procurement Clerks are essential in ensuring that a company has the necessary resources and supplies to operate efficiently. They are responsible for the timely and cost-effective acquisition of products and services, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. The role involves negotiating with suppliers, tracking shipments, and maintaining detailed records.

These clerks must be adept at problem-solving, as they often handle discrepancies in orders and delivery issues. They also play a significant role in cost control by comparing prices and negotiating contracts. Attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

The occupation is evolving with technology, and clerks now frequently use specialized procurement software. This role offers opportunities for growth into supervisory positions and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in supply chain management and logistics.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in the smooth operation of a company's supply chain.
The opportunity to interact with various suppliers and internal stakeholders.
The satisfaction of optimizing procurement processes and contributing to cost savings.

You might make a good Procurement Clerk if you are...

Detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in orders and records.
A skilled communicator, able to negotiate and interact effectively with suppliers and team members.
Organized, capable of managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
Proficient with computers, especially procurement and inventory management software.
Interested in supply chain management and business operations.

Pros:

Stable and structured work environment.
Opportunities for career growth in procurement and supply chain management.
Interaction with a wide range of people and industries.

Cons:

Can involve repetitive tasks and extensive documentation.
Requires meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
Potentially high-pressure situations to meet deadlines and manage supply needs.

How to become a Procurement Clerk

Typical education

The position generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring candidates who have completed some post-secondary education in business or a related field, amounting to 2-3 years of schooling.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies to understand basic business operations and management.
Mathematics for skills in managing inventory and analyzing costs.
Computer Science to develop proficiency with software and databases.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining business clubs to gain insight into business operations.
Participating in team projects to develop collaboration skills.
Engaging in activities that require organization and planning.

Preparation after high school

Consider an associate degree or certification in business, supply chain management, or a related field.
Seek internships or part-time jobs in purchasing or inventory management.
Attend workshops or short courses on procurement software and negotiation skills.

More resources

Institute for Supply Management (ISM) - Provides resources and certification information for procurement professionals.
American Purchasing Society - Offers courses and certifications in purchasing and supply chain management.
ProcurementIQ - A resource for market intelligence and procurement research.
Next Level Purchasing Association - Offers online courses and a community for procurement professionals.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.