Purchasing CV examples to help you succeed this year

There are many roles that require procurement skills. Here are some of the most common job titles you can gain with the right purchasing and procurement CV: 

• Director of procurement
• Merchandising specialist
• Inventory control assistant 
• Project manager
• Requisitions manager
• Supply chain manager
• E-procurement manager
• BuyerTHis
• Vendor relations manager

When writing your CV, you should focus on planning, analysis, and communication skills that are key to success in this field. Here are the important sections you should include in your CV: 

 

 

Your CV header should include your full name, contact information (including phone number and email address), and professional links, such as your LinkedIn profile. 

 

 

A CV should lead off with a brief career objective or professional summary. A career objective is best for those with limited experience, and focuses on your top skills and career goals. In contrast, a professional summary is best for those with many years of experience, as it focuses on your most important skills and achievements. 

 

 

Your CV skills section should include 8 to 10 bullet points detailing your most relevant purchasing skills. Here are some examples:

• Contract negotiations
• Data analysis
• Sourcing raw materials
• Purchase orders
• Negotiation skills
• Forecasting
• CPP
• SAP
• ERP systems
• Excel
• Time management
• Analytical skills
• Communication
• Problem-solving skills
• Accounts payable

Remember also to feature transferable abilities such as interpersonal skills and proficiency with business administration software, like Microsoft Office. 

 

 

The work experience section should include up to 10 years of previous experience, presented in reverse-chronological order (most recent job first). Focus on your main achievements in each role using three or five bullet points and be as specific as possible. For example, a statement such as “Managed a team of six buyers to facilitate a national project that finished 15% under budget,” is more impactful than stating “I managed six buyers.”

 

Your education section should include your most recent, relevant, and advanced achievements. For example, if you have an economics or business degree, you don’t need to list your GSCEs. 

 

 

Including your professional achievements and awards are a great way to stand out from the crowd. Remember to list the full name of the award, who bestowed it, and when you were awarded. 

 

 

This small section should include all relevant and active professional certifications. For example, if you have a project management certification, you should list it here.  You can also include professional memberships if you have them.

If you are ready to move up the career ladder, you must include a little extra in your CV. The perfect CV addresses the needs of a specific job. These purchasing CV samples show what makes a great CV for this kind of role. As well as showcasing industry-specific experience, this CV focuses on necessary communication, inventory management, and people management skills.

Here are some tips for helping you write your purchasing CV:

• Choose the right CV format.

There are three main CV formats: chronological, functional, and hybrid. A chronological CV is best for those with several years of work experience. A functional CV format focuses on skills and competencies and is best for those with very little experience. A hybrid CV focuses on work experience and skills. 

• Showcase what you bring to the table.

Cost reduction is a big concern for most companies. If you have specific vendor relationships that provide cost savings, highlight them. A purchasing agent’s CV that provides this information will have a good chance of impressing hiring managers. 

 

• Use active language.

Language is key when writing a CV. Use active words and phrases to take ownership of your skills and achievements. If you can, you should also use specific metrics. For example, say “Created a system that resulted in 10% cost reductions,” rather than “I improved cost-effectiveness.” The use of language that is specific and active will stand out. 

 

For extra help creating your CV, use our CV builder tool, which has many CV templates to choose from as well as job-specific suggestions to help you build a professional CV with all the right details.