Michael Page: How procurement professionals can maximise their professional development
As part of our #LearningMatters theme this month we spoke to the team at Michael Page about professional development in public sector procurement. Nicola Hallworth-Rudd, Head of Public Sector UK at Michael Page shared her insight with us.
Career development and progression are really important when it comes to feeling motivated and engaged in the workplace, and feeling confident to take control of your own pathway is key.
Recent data from PageGroup’s Talent Trends report revealed that a whopping one in two people are motivated by career progression globally and a quarter (24%) said they would prioritise working for an organisation that invests in their professional development.
As recruitment experts in this space, we know that this is no different for public sector procurement workers specifically, many of whom are ambitious and eager to develop their skills and be considered a key player in their organisation’s success. However, it can be hard to take a break from the day-to-day tasks and put the time aside to think about your own development path.
That’s why I’m going to share my top tips for how public sector procurement staff can maximise their professional development, equipping themselves with the right skills, attitudes and approaches to achieve both personal and professional growth throughout their career journey.
Ask your manager to help you build a career development plan
While managers can be helpful at setting goals, it’s important that they also spend the time helping you create a pathway to achieving them. Ask your manager to help you to build a career development plan that includes your goals, the skills you already have, the skills you need to move forward, and some indication of how you can develop them.
Not all points on a career development plan will need training. In some cases, practice makes perfect. However, other skills are not so easily learned on the job. Working with your manager to identify what training might be needed and finding some courses you can take sets out clear expectations on both sides and gives you somewhere to start.
Don’t wait for your manager to come to you
Though they may have good intentions, managers will often have conflicting priorities and finding opportunities to discuss your development may understandably slide down their to-do list.
Taking a proactive approach to your career development is critical. Instead of waiting for your manager to come to you, identify a training course that you think is relevant to your progress and take the initiative to sign up or enquire further. The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) offers a range of certification programs tailored to procurement professionals at various career stages and can really boost your career prospects – so this may be a good place to start.
Lobby for more opportunities
When you see an opportunity that could help to develop your skills, seize it. If you need to work on project management, make sure your manager knows that you want to take the lead. If your plan involves gaining experience of managing people, ask if you can have a role in training or even line managing the new hire.
Not all opportunities are forthcoming, and if it seems like there will not be a chance for you to learn the skills or gain the experience you need within the near future, it is worth having a conversation with your line manager. They have a responsibility to help you achieve your goals and may be able to speak with others in the organisation to carve out the development opportunities you need.
Develop your Soft Skills
While technical expertise is undoubtedly essential in many NHS and wider public sector procurement roles, the value of soft skills cannot be overstated. Effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management are crucial for fostering collaboration and achieving successful outcomes. That’s why it’s so important to seek opportunities to challenge yourself in order to grow and strengthen them. Attending workshops, taking part in mentoring programs, getting involved in cross-functional projects and taking on training in various areas can really help bolster these.
Try to have examples of how you have applied these skills in the workplace at your next review – or if you interview for a new role – and you’ll demonstrate your resourcefulness and creativity.
Leverage Networking Opportunities
Networking can be a powerful tool for learning, collaboration, and career advancement. It never hurts to actively engage in networking events, conferences, and online forums. Sharing experiences, challenges, and best practices with peers and thought leaders can broaden horizons and provide fresh insights. Additionally, mentoring relationships with seasoned procurement professionals can offer guidance and support as you navigate your career journey.
Keep up to Date with Tech Advancements
The modern public sector procurement landscape is increasingly intertwined with technology. From e-procurement platforms to data analytics tools, staying abreast of technological trends is essential for optimising efficiency and effectiveness. It’s a great development opportunity to proactively explore emerging technologies, attend relevant webinars, and participate in tech-focused training sessions. Embracing digital transformation not only streamlines processes but could also position you as an innovation expert – a skill every hiring manager is looking for these days!
Many workers often leave their professional development in the hands of their employer. Whilst it should absolutely be supported by managers, sometimes the best way to upskill and progress is by taking the reins yourself. Procurement requires organisation, tenacity and problem solving – and all of these are fantastic skills to have when you’re looking at improving your own efficiencies and capabilities.
For further information and tips from Michael Page, you can view their blog page by clicking here. Click here for information on NOE CPC's training and events opportunities.