CIPS

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS)

CIPS exists to promote and develop high standards of professional skill, ability and integrity among all those engaged in purchasing and supply chain management.

CIPS is the leading body representing the field of purchasing and supply chain management. Established in 1932, we have grown to become the central reference for industry best practice and our code of conduct is the standard around the world. In 1992 we were awarded a Royal Charter in recognition of our status as a centre of excellence and support for the profession.

Enter an exciting, challenging and diverse profession

For any business spending money is the first step towards making money. But spend too much money on goods and services and the cost eats away at profits. Spend too little the quality of goods or services can be damaged. Both scenarios put the business in jeopardy so effective procurement is essential!

Like all business critical functions, procurement needs the best and the brightest people to join its ranks. It has to compete with other disciplines in the financial, engineering, and business world for the attention of young people. One benefit that makes purchasing stand out is how it grants the right professionals a wide range of opportunities from a young age.
Transferable skills give you choice and variety of potential workplaces
One of the most beneficial things about this career is that a well-qualified purchasing professional can walk into a wide range of environments where they can use their skills to buy a whole variety of products and services.

For example, in a manufacturing environment, such as a car plant, the purchaser would be directly involved in buying components such as wheels, lights and shock absorbers as well as more general services such as advertising and marketing services. Whereas in retail some purchasers within the organisation buy goods and services for use by the company and other buyers are responsible for selecting products which are sold in the shops themselves. The scope and choice within this profession is what makes it so diverse with no two jobs ever being the same.