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5 September 2011 | Adam Leach
The demand for purchasing professionals increased by eight per cent in August, says recruitment firm Reed.co.uk.
The Reed Job Index, published today, reported a rise of nine points to a score of 122, an eight per cent increase on July. The increase in demand for the sector contradicted findings for the rest of the job market, with the overall index remaining unchanged.
In addition, the survey found that salaries being offered for jobs in the sector rose four per cent when compared with last month, again outperforming the overall job market, which has fallen by two per cent since July.
Martin Warnes, managing director of reed.co.uk, said: “Demand for purchasing professionals has bucked the trend. At a time when the job market is flat, procurement staff prove to be the exception with demand for their services up 8 per cent in August compared with July. What’s more, at a time when salaries for new jobs have declined to below the level they were 18 months ago, it is especially striking that salaries are rising for new procurement roles.”
He added: “Employers have clearly recognised just how much they can gain by taking on new procurement talent at this time, in both short term savings and long-term strategic best value for their businesses.”
Last month, Duncan Ward, operations director of procurement and supply chain at Badenoch & Clark, said there has been growth in procurement headcounts in recent months with a lot of demand for graduates and mid-level supply chain professionals but said finding the right candidates is a problem.
Speaking to SM following publication of the company’s Professional Talent Spotlight – July 2011 report, Ward said: “There are not enough candidates coming into the industry. Procurement plays such an important role in a business. Its profile has been raised with businesses’ need to make efficiencies but professionals still need to raise the profile of what the industry can offer to graduates.”
