How to Write a Procurement CV: Examples and Tips
In 2025, procurement has evolved far beyond purchasing. It’s now a strategic function at the heart of every successful organisation in the UK and internationally. Today’s procurement experts are expected to be agile, tech-savvy, and commercially astute. That’s why a good CV with a strong CV template is your first step to breaking into or advancing within this dynamic field.
A role in procurement is perfect for individuals with an eye for detail and talent for negotiating and understanding market trends. If you respond well to a challenge, procurement offers a diverse and rewarding career path across construction, retail, healthcare and engineering sectors.
From entry-level roles like Procurement Assistant and Coordinator, to senior positions such as Procurement Manager and Director, each level demands a unique mix of skills and achievements that must be reflected clearly and professionally in your modern CV, and this step-by-step guide will help you to showcase your true potential.
What’s in this article?
Must-have sections in a procurement CV
Expert hacks on how to write each section
How to structure your CV so it stands out
Key skills you need to include in a professional procurement CV
Procurement CV example
Download this procurement CV sample in PDF.
Stuart has chosen the Wheaton template for a clean and clinical finish to his CV. The clear section headings bring the most important information to the front. A soft sans serif font and cool grey colour scheme show he is collected, reliable and never overstated.
Which sections should a procurement CV include?
Procurement is a broad field, much like operations management and supply chain roles, so it’s important to define your focus to make your CV more targeted and effective.
Pro Tip
Ask yourself what relevant experience you have, what your long-term career aspirations are, which specific skills and experiences you possess, and which industries or sectors you are passionate about. Once you've reflected on these points, you’re ready to sketch out the structure of your CV.
We recommend starting with a master CV, an all-inclusive document that covers all your work history, skills (both hard and soft), education, and training. This isn’t meant to be submitted, but it will serve as a foundation to tailor future CVs to specific roles. It’s a process that saves you time when preparing applications, whilst making each one as individual as possible.
Whether you're writing a Procurement Assistant CV, Procurement Manager CV, or aiming for a Procurement Director role, the structure remains largely the same, but the content should reflect your level of expertise.
Here are the key sections every procurement CV should include:
Contact information: Add your full name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended).
Personal profile: Write a short 4-6 line summary that highlights your job title and level of experience, soft skills, key achievements and what you’re looking for in the next role.
Key skills: List essential hard skills tailored to the role in a bullet-point format.
Work experience: List your most recent and relevant roles in reverse chronological order.
Education: Include your most relevant academic qualifications to highlight your expertise.
How to write a good personal profile section in a procurement CV
The personal profile CV section is a powerful tool used in other multidimensional roles like administration or the civil service. It’s the first thing a hiring manager will read, so think of it as your elevator pitch tailored to procurement. Here, a short, impactful paragraph that summarises who you are and what you bring to the role would be the best hook to grab a recruiter’s attention.
What you should include in the personal profile section:
Your job title and level of experience.
Achievements or focus areas, to be as specific as possible and target this summary to the job description.
Key soft skills that can be incorporated throughout the paragraph’s storytelling.
Pro Tip
An effective personal profile should include a captivating opening sentence, be no longer than 70 words and underscore your unique contribution.
Example of personal profile sections in a procurement CV
Procurement specialist personal profile CV example
Procurement Specialist with over 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier performance management. Demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings and drive procurement efficiencies across sectors, including manufacturing and technology. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, category management, and using systems such as SAP Ariba.
Procurement officer personal profile CV example
Procurement Officer with more than 3 years of experience managing procurement cycles, processing purchase orders, and liaising with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and compliance. Confident in supporting tendering processes and working within regulated procurement frameworks. Proficient in Oracle and Coupa, with a strong understanding of public and private sector procurement practices.
Procurement assistant personal profile CV example
Motivated Procurement Assistant with over 2 years of experience in administrative support and procurement processes. Recently completed CIPS Level 3 and experienced in handling purchase requests, maintaining procurement records, and coordinating with suppliers. Able to thrive in busy environments while ensuring attention to detail and accuracy.
Procurement coordinator personal profile CV example
Highly organised Procurement Coordinator with 4 years of experience supporting procurement operations, tracking supplier performance, and ensuring timely delivery across multiple projects. Adept at working cross-functionally to align procurement activities with operational goals. Skilled in using JD Edwards and advanced Excel tools to manage procurement schedules and reporting.
Procurement manager personal profile CV example
Strategic procurement manager with 10 years of leadership in procurement operations. Skilled in overseeing complex purchasing activities, aligning procurement with organisational goals and driving process improvements. Excels in team management and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on delivering efficient, cost-effective procurement solutions.
Procurement engineer personal profile CV example
Procurement Engineer with over 6 years’ experience supporting engineering and manufacturing projects through effective sourcing, supplier evaluation, and cost control. Skilled in technical procurement for complex mechanical and electrical components, with a strong understanding of industry standards and compliance requirements. Proven ability to collaborate with design, quality, and production teams to ensure timely delivery of materials without compromising on quality or budget.
How to list key procurement skills on your CV
Procurement roles in the UK often involve client relationship management, tough negotiations, managing multifaceted business needs, and strategic planning. Effectively communicating a range of skills quickly and clearly requires separating them into two categories: hard and soft skills.
Pro Tip
Once you have compartmentalised your skills, make them pop by listing hard skills under a dedicated heading, while weaving soft and transferable skills into your personal profile and work experience sections.
Keep in mind that procurement often overlaps with roles in sales, finance and project management, so exploring these areas can offer additional inspiration.
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
| Strategic and analytical thinking | Communication |
| Risk management | Problem-solving |
| Stakeholder management | Adaptability |
| Cost reduction strategies | Teamwork |
| Sustainability awareness | Time management |
| Supply chain management | Relationship building |
| Negotiation | Attention to detail |
| Data analysis | Leadership |
| Contract management | Presentation skills |
| Inventory management | Initiative |
Learn more in our article on the most effective skills to list on a CV.
How to showcase relevant work experience on a procurement CV
When writing your work experience on a CV, it’s important to be specific about what you have achieved. Procurement is a really results-focused profession, so listing measurable achievements can help your CV stand out. To present this effectively, use a clear format: begin with a brief paragraph summarising your responsibilities, followed by two bullet points that demonstrate your quantifiable impact in the role.
Best practices for listing procurement achievements on your CV
Good example
Reduced supplier costs by 18% over 9 months by renegotiating contracts and consolidating vendor base.
Bad example
Assisted in reducing costs.
Good example
Negotiated a 3-year contract with a key supplier resulting in fixed pricing and 12% savings against market volatility.
Bad example
Helped with supplier negotiations.
Good example
Implemented a sustainable procurement strategy that led to a 25% increase in purchases from eco-certified suppliers.
Bad example
Implemented eco-friendly strategies in procurement.
Pro Tip
Align your work experience entries with the required soft skills and responsibilities stated in the job description. Focus on what you delivered, not just what you did, by including concrete outcomes that demonstrate the value you added in previous roles.
Examples of work experience for a procurement CV
Procurement engineer | Ferrero Luxury Cars, London | 2019 - Present
Lead the procurement process for engineering projects, including supplier selection, contract negotiation and performance evaluation. Collaborate with project teams to ensure alignment with technical requirements and timelines. Implement cost-saving strategies through efficient vendor management and process optimisation.
Reduced procurement costs by 18% through strategic sourcing and effective negotiation techniques.
Improved supplier delivery times by 25%, enhancing project efficiency and deadlines.
Procurement director | Green Giant Energy Ltd., Birmingham | 2019 - 2024
Oversaw the entire procurement function, formulating policies and strategies for purchasing goods and services in the energy sector. Managed a team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency. Collaborated with senior management to align procurement strategies with corporate objectives.
Achieved a 20% improvement in procurement cycle efficiency through process automation and team training.
Spearheaded a green procurement program that resulted in a 15% reduction in carbon footprint for purchased goods.
Procurement officer | Our World Health Supplies, Manchester | 2021 - 2025
Managed procurement activities including vendor assessment, contract negotiation, and purchase order processing. Ensured compliance with healthcare industry standards and company procurement policies. Analysed and reported on procurement metrics to guide decision-making.
Increased vendor compliance to quality standards by 30%, reducing product returns and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Streamlined procurement processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in order processing time.
Procurement Specialist | Stratford Precision Tools, Bristol | 2018 - Present
Manage end-to-end procurement activities across multiple product categories, including supplier sourcing, contract management, and compliance with internal purchasing policies. Work closely with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with operational goals and project timelines. Drive continuous improvement initiatives in vendor performance and cost control.
Achieved a 15% reduction in procurement spend by implementing competitive tendering and supplier consolidation strategies.
Increased on-time delivery rates by 30% through supplier performance monitoring and proactive issue resolution.
Examples of work experience CV sections after a career change
If you are transitioning into purchasing and procurement after a career change, it is important to focus on transferable skills and highlight measurable results with relevance to your target field. Seek inspiration from similar career paths such as event management or hospitality.
Event coordinator | Bright Lights Events, Sheffield | 2019 - 2024
Spearheaded event planning and coordination, managing logistics for various corporate and social events. This role required extensive sourcing and securing of equipment, goods and services to meet client needs and event specifications. Excelled in vendor management, negotiating terms and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality resources.
Successfully negotiated contracts leading to a 20% cost reduction in event supplies and equipment.
Maintained a 95% client satisfaction rate through consistent delivery of well-resourced and smoothly executed events.
Procurement assistant | Greenfield Enterprises, Sheffield | 2020 – Present
Having transitioned from finance, I assist the procurement team with handling purchase orders, managing supplier contracts, and ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints. My financial background has allowed me to focus on cost analysis and budgeting for procurement projects.
Assisted in the development of a new budgeting tool for procurement, improving cost forecasting accuracy by 18%.
Processed and tracked over 200 purchase orders, ensuring compliance with internal financial controls.
Learn more about how to write a CV with little to no experience.
How to present your education on a procurement CV
Writing the education section on a CV effectively will strengthen your position as a qualified professional and support your relevant work experience. While there’s no single mandatory qualification to enter the profession, having a degree or diploma in fields such as supply chain management, marketing, business, or logistics can give candidates a distinct advantage. Many professionals also enter the sector through structured graduate schemes, which combine formal training with hands-on learning.
Additionally, consider including relevant courses and certificates that complement your qualifications. These credentials can further strengthen your profile and showcase your readiness for modern procurement roles.
Pro Tip
When listing education on your CV, keep it clear and relevant: include the qualification title, issuing institution, and year of completion. Highlighting education that aligns with procurement principles, such as contract law, commercial strategy, or data analysis, to demonstrate your expertise.
Procurement CV education section examples:
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), University of Manchester, Manchester, UK, 2018
Higher National Diploma in Business Studies, Sheffield Hallam University, 2020
Procurement CV courses and certificates examples:
CIPS Qualification (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply, 2025
Data Analytics for Procurement Professionals (Online Certification), Coursera, Offered by University of Illinois, 2025
Key takeaways
Let’s take a moment to recap. Here are five key takeaways to consider when writing a professional CV for a role in procurement and purchasing.
Emphasise procurement skills: Highlight your business and supply chain management skills, along with specific procurement experience.
Craft a compelling personal profile: Write a brief, impactful personal profile summarising your suitability for procurement roles, including experience and key skills.
Showcase measurable achievements: In your work experience section, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor your CV: Create a comprehensive master CV as a base, which you can then tailor for specific job applications, ensuring relevance and personalisation.
Detail relevant education: List educational qualifications related to procurement, and mention any ongoing learning or development activities.
Next steps?
Iron out any creases using our intuitive CV builder with professional CV templates to choose from. To accompany your CV, discover our cover letter templates. If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, connect with our professional CV Writing Service. Draw inspiration from our blog for tips on how to save time, emphasise important sections and make it easier for hiring managers to grasp your unique professional offer.
FAQs
How do you describe procurement on a resume?
When describing procurement on a CV, focus on key responsibilities, achievements, and skills that highlight your experience in sourcing, negotiating, and managing supplier relationships. Use action verbs and quantify results where possible.
What skills do you need to be a procurement manager?
To be an effective procurement manager, you need a mix of strategic, technical, interpersonal and communication skills. These include strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier relationship management, along with strong cost management and risk mitigation capabilities. Analytical and negotiation skills are crucial for making data-driven decisions and securing the best value for the company. Additionally, project management, attention to detail, and strong communication and leadership abilities are key for overseeing procurement processes, collaborating with teams, and leading a procurement function effectively.
What is procurement in the construction industry?
Procurement in construction involves sourcing and acquiring goods and services necessary for completing construction projects, including supplier selection and contract management.
What is the typical procurement career path?
Starting typically in roles like Procurement Assistant or Junior Buyer, a procurement career progresses through Specialist and Manager levels to senior positions like Head of Procurement.
How to get a job in procurement with no experience?
Start with internships or related roles, gain knowledge through courses or certifications in procurement, and utilise transferable skills from other fields.
Why choose procurement as a career?
Procurement offers a strategic impact on businesses, the scope for innovation and problem-solving, and opportunities for significant cost savings and efficiency improvements. If you are just starting out in your career, learn more about how to write a CV as a student or graduate.
Are there any recognised professional bodies for procurement?
In the UK, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) are key professional bodies offering resources and certifications.
