A procurement specialist negotiates contracts and acquires the goods and services that a company needs. Essentially, they are responsible for a company's spending efficiency.

Duties

A procurement specialist will find manufacturers for a particular product, ensure order fulfillment with vendors and negotiate pricing and delivery schedules. They also conduct audits and prepare financial analysis of companies that contracts are established with.

Education

To build a career as a procurement specialists, a four-year Bachelor's degree in business or accounting is required.

Skills

Procurement specialists should have outstanding communication and negotiating skills. A background in purchasing and business is essential.

Salary

The median salary for a procurement specialist is $81,000 a year. The top 10 percent earn over $132,000 a year. The hourly rate ranges from $22 to $67 per hour.

Job Outlook

The procurement industry is very competitive, as the number of available jobs is limited. Thus, it's critical to have the right experience and education to get the job.