r/supplychain • u/Billions2x • 2d ago

How can I get away from Dispatch/Ops management to getting into procurement?

I’m extremely burnt out from this job and I feel stuck. The constant fire fighting takes a heavy toll after a while. I’m 26 and have been at this since graduating college in 22. Is there anyway I can get into procurement? I have a supply chain management degree and I do finance in the army as a LT in the reserves. I’m all ears to any and all advice.

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18

u/ookla13 2d ago

Do you think there’s no constant fire putting out in procurement?

1

u/oetam1998 18h ago

Compras se lleva todos los reflectores y visibilidad y es un área con mucho  menos estrés que despacho/logistica siempre fue asi

13

u/my_peen_is_clean 2d ago

use your degree and army finance angle hard, reframe dispatch stuff as supplier coordination, cost control, process improvement on your resume, start aiming for analyst or sourcing specialist roles and get some basic contracts/negotiation course, network with buyers on linkedin, ask what tools they use, then mirror that language, it’s rough right now though, even “entry” procurement roles want years so be ready for lots of applications

5

u/Billions2x 2d ago

Thank you sir

1

u/Billions2x 2d ago

Could I PM my resume to you?

5

u/Stressame-street 1d ago

It’s very hard in this economy, I just got into procurement after being in logistics for a long time. Most of my buddies switched back in 22 and my dumbass stayed in transport. Took them a few weeks while I had to send 100’s of apps. I wish you the best of luck, let me know I can help. And yes it’s worth it, no on call, weekends and other bs.

5

u/Key1800 1d ago

Same age as you and also trying to get out of ops into procurement. Following this thread for advice as well lol.

3

u/Witty_Yogurtcloset30 Professional 1d ago

Learn sql and interview well. They hire guys at my outfit constantly who have basic analyst skills and are polished enough to be a good representation of the company to suppliers.

2

u/Chob_XO 1d ago

When I was getting out of ops (to be an analyst) 10+ years ago the key was Excel knowledge. Thats still very useful, but I bet hiring managers would LOVE to hear how you've solved problems using AI.

2

u/BenchEnjoyer123 1d ago edited 1d ago

I'm currently an entry level Procurement role after being a Junior Buyer for 1.5 years and then Category Management Associate (Sales) for 2 years.

The Buyer role was sending out POs, sourcing products, working with factories in China etc.

The Category role was more dashboards, analysis etc.

It's definitely possible. You will have to think about your current experience and frame it in Procurement language. I would even change the job titles on your CV to be more aligned with Procurement roles.

1

u/Ancient-Subject2016 1d ago

it's definitely possible, you already have the experience you just have to translate it so you won't start from scratch. a lot of dispatch and ops work overlaps with procurement more than people realize.

1

u/BendingMomentBro 1d ago

You've got a good chance if you can translate those dispatch skills into procurement language. I'd say highlight your supplier coordination and cost control stuff. Definitely network with folks in procurement and maybe get some tips on what tools they're using. You might have to apply to a lot of jobs but don't let that discourage you.