Procurement jobs focus upon assuring that a company has the supplies they depend upon to complete a project or just to conduct everyday business. A manufacturing facility might require raw materials that meet certain specifications. Those interested in procurement engineer jobs for such industries as aerospace manufacturing should be well versed in government procurement jobs procedures. Government contractors have more rigid requirements than many general public contractor specifications. Procurement may include sourcing the suppliers, ensuring the delivered supplies are as ordered, the billing is appropriately done and sometimes these specialists will negotiate contracts with new supply sources.
Educational requirements for those individuals filling procurement engineer jobs vary according to the industry. For instance, government procurement jobs require a detailed knowledge of government standards as well as the contractor's procurement policies and procedures. Some procurement positions will require knowledge only of how to maintain supplies and proper ordering procedures. Other employment opportunities in procurement will require the individual have technical knowledge as well as the ability to assess the needs of the project and assure that suppliers are not only within budget but can deliver in a timely manner. The majority of procurement engineer jobs require a four year degree in business administration. Supply line operations as well as others accept engineering degrees with an advanced degree in business administration.
If a supplier becomes unreliable, the delivery times are not met, the product is not as specified then it is the responsibility of the procurement department to correct this matter. Raw materials delivered to a manufacturing plant that are late can also make the project late. Substandard raw materials delivered to a plant can cause the contractor endless trouble and it is the responsibility of the procurement manager to correct any issues with outsourced suppliers. This may include arranging conferences or meetings between suppliers, engineers and those inspecting the raw materials or products. The purpose of such meetings is to help these disparate departments communicate directly rather than through a middle man. In that way, product specifications, design limitations and even corrections can proceed smoothly in the event of an issue with a supplier or the materials.
Procurement employment requires that the engineer have strong communication skills as well as a strong grasp of the needs of the project and the materials necessary to complete a project on time. Procurement professionals may also focus on hardware sourcing. When an upgrade to hardware, machines or IT is necessary, purchasing may be accomplished through the procurement department. Depending upon the company structure, specifications might be sent to the department, suppliers interviewed, and the appropriate authorization obtained for purchase. On the other hand, a request for a specific item might be sent, the correct supplier found and the item obtained. The procedure followed depends upon the company's purchasing policies. Consumable items may be on contract with regular suppliers and ordered as a matter of course, the procurement professionals will normally find the supplier and obtain approval through the necessary channels for outsourcing regular supply needs. Employment in procurement is a stable career and these jobs provide opportunities for advancement from almost any level. Specialists in procurement are well compensated and there will continue to be a demand for procurement for as long as companies produce, manufacture or maintain any product.
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