Procurement/ Supply Chain jobs

cantdecide

I'm 34. I'm studying toward a HC in Business Procurement through IIPMM through distance learning and I'm halfway through year two of four (no previous 3rd level qualifications). I have a background in stores/ warehousing (as a supervisor) and worked as a purchaser in a construction based SME for a few years (fell into it informally).

I've been in a back office admin job for the last 15 months and I'm basically trying to level-up at the moment and turn my previous experience into a career but for now, I need a more appropriate and challenging job. I need advice on the kinds of role that I could expect to get at this stage. It's difficult to know what kinds of jobs I should apply for when all I can see in jobs listings is three letter acronyms. The main criteria for me, at this stage, is that I'd like to find something that I could build on for a few years. Ideally, I'd like to keep my next job for 5+ years.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Silverfish

I'm just going to ask the obvious - when you see the 3 letter acronyms, do you know what they mean? Have you relatable experience (it sounds like you do) If so, apply.

cantdecide

Silverfish wrote: »

I'm just going to ask the obvious - when you see the 3 letter acronyms, do you know what they mean? Have you relatable experience (it sounds like you do) If so, apply.

Thanks

I mean if I see MRP/ ERP etc I know what they're talking about but unfortunately I have no experience with them or even using SAP and Oracle. I suppose I'd have lots of relatable experience but in less formal or less technical environments.

Silverfish

cantdecide wrote: »

Thanks

I mean if I see MRP/ ERP etc I know what they're talking about but unfortunately I have no experience with them or even using SAP and Oracle. I suppose I'd have lots of relatable experience but in less formal or less technical environments.

I've used SAP and Oracle, and many other applications, and once you've used one for purchasing / inventory, you've used them all. A day of faffing about with them and you'll know how to use it - many companies have them modified to their own requirements, so you'd need a bit of training on how they use them anyway. So when I'm asked if I've used SAP, I say yes, many years ago, but I've used similar packages. I also will do a udemy course or something if I really want to brush up on something.
The person interviewing you doesn't need to know your experience was in an informal environment, they just need to know you understand the concept and can meet the requirements. You really just need one lucky break, so just keep applying for jobs where you can meet at least 75% of the requirements.

cantdecide

Just going to bump this thread if that's okay. Second year exams out of the way and new job hunt underway. Hoping to pick ye're brains about some job stuff

Updating the CV and have hit a snag re references:

I work in a very large call centre- the kind of place that has a massive turnover of staff. I get on very well with my TL and he thinks the sun shines from my behind (for the sake of brevity, without trying to sound arrogant, I'm one of the stronger on our large team). He's always known I'm studying and been sympathetic. I've had reason to let him know that I would like to use the summer to find another job and he volunteered to give me a reference. So will it look bad if my present boss is happy to get shot of me?

Also, for Linkedin; is it the done thing to connect with recruiters that state they specialise in your industry without any prior connection? It's tough to figure out the etiquette involved in linkedin.

Mrs OBumble

cantdecide wrote: »

So will it look bad if my present boss is happy to get shot of me?

No. It just means that your current boss knows there aren't suitable opportunities for you in this company.

cantdecide wrote: »

Also, for Linkedin; is it the done thing to connect with recruiters that state they specialise in your industry without any prior connection? It's tough to figure out the etiquette involved in linkedin.

Yes.

A pimp is a pimp, they don't care where they get their next victim candidate from.

cantdecide

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

No. It just means that your current boss knows there aren't suitable opportunities for you in this company.
Yes.
A pimp is a pimp, they don't care where they get their next victim candidate from.

Cool Thanks for the tips.




Just a quick CV references question; is it acceptable to write 'References available on request' or similar? It would make my life so much easier. I'm anxious to start applying for jobs but squaring these away is holding me back.

cantdecide

I hope it's okay to bump this thread.

Absolutely nothing stirring for me, I'm afraid. My job hunt has slowed down at times as I've been busy with other things lately but it's time to get the bit between the teeth again.

I haven't had a sniff of anything promising since the beginning of the process. I'm trying to get Linkedin to work for my and I've networked every way I can. I spoke to a couple of recreuitment agencies who said some hopeful things but never heard from them after. I've applied for dozens of jobs online but haven't heard anything except for the odd 'sorry but we'll keep you on file' emails.

Nothing too out of the ordinary but I can't help feel out in the cold at this point.

robopaddy2

Hi All, I m in early 30s and interested in taking a career change.



One area I am thinking about is the Logistics and Supply chain management side. I see there always seem to be a lot of jobs in this area, particularly the area of planning/buying/procurement/freight forwarding etc. I touched upon some related modules at Third Level so it s not something completely foreign to me, but graduated nearly 10 years ago and never followed up any postgraduate study or employment prospects in this area as I didn t know where to start and my current career path seemed an easier route. I am starting from scratch again but going back to college full time is not an option for me. Any feedback would be good. Do you need qualifications to get a start-up role? What are the career prospects? Are jobs well paid in the industry?