How does your procurement salary compare in 2019? What are the trends in procurement jobs in Australia, and how do they compare to New Zealand and the UK?
The latest job reports released by procurement industry associations in Australia and the UK means we can delve into the latest insights and bring you the key highlights.
Let’s dive in:
Procurement salaries are increasing
First, the good news: procurement salaries are finally on the rise. With record company profits and rising costs of living, it’s predicted that wage growth is imminent for procurement professionals in Australia.
New South Wales tops the salary charts in Australia
In 2019, a CPO in Sydney earns an average of $255k per annum, compared to $250k in Melbourne, $230k in Adelaide and Darwin, $200k in Brisbane and Perth, and just $150k in Canberra.
At the other end of the pay-scale, salaries are similar for Procurement Officers across geographies, with the highest being an average $80k in Canberra and $70k in Perth.
It’s not all good news though, as salaries are stagnating in Victoria. Demand for procurement talent with strong commercial skills is growing in Victoria, but this hasn’t yet translated into widespread salary rises since 2018.
(Note: All salaries are exclusive of superannuation)
IT skills are in demand
Do you have IT, construction project, or logistics and material buying experience? Your skills are in strong demand in Queensland. While in New South Wales, an increase in demand for ICT procurement professionals and those with defence experience is imminent.
Across the board, the roles in demand are:
- Category Manager ICT
- Procurement Officer
- Procurement Specialist
Mining, oil and gas are driving procurement demand
It should also come as no surprise that those with mining sector experience will be required particularly in Queensland and Western Australia. The mining, oil and gas industries are active drivers of procurement vacancy activity. As a result of demand, salaries have increased for Procurement Specialists and Category Specialists, though they aren’t yet up to the record levels of the mining boom.
Salaries are finally on the rise in ACT
Salaries have also increased in the Australian Capital Territory at all levels, from Procurement Officers to Senior Procurement Specialists and Procurement Managers. This is driven by the commerce and industry sector that supplies into government through professional service firms, defence outsourced partners and facilities management service providers, to name a few.
Procurement salaries expected to rise in New Zealand
A slight salary increase is on the cards for Auckland and Wellington, especially with the small pool of procurement talent available. In Auckland and Wellington, a CPOcan expect to earn $NZD160 – $250k and $150 – $230k respectively.
Average salaries are performing above average in the UK
It’s good news up in the northern hemisphere too. Over the past five years, average salaries in procurement have performed above the national average in the UK with a 5.3% increase versus a 2.7% national average pay increase. This shows the growing respect and confidence in the profession.
The highest salary increases in the UK were for Assistant Procurement/ Contracts Officer, Assistant Buyer, Contracts Officer, Procurement/ Purchasing Officer and Commercial Director roles.
Wanted: Category managers and end-to-end procurement specialists
Demand is high for Category Managers, especially those who can demonstrate strategic sourcing, market intelligence and spend analytics skills.
Also, those who have the ability to run the full end-to-end procurement process are needed, especially for service contracts.
Accreditation is on the must-have list
Over the last 12 months, employers have shown an increased interest in candidates who have CIPS/MCIPS accreditations. So, it pays to invest in training and accreditation if you want to open the door to opportunity.
According to the CIPS report, 21% of Australasian respondents with MCIPS earn more than their non-MCIPS peers.
Over To You
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Read the reports in full:
- Michael Page Australia Salary Benchmark 2019
- Hays Skills in Demand Jan to June 2019
- Hays FY 2019/20 Salary Guide
- Robert Walters 2019 Salary Survey (Australia)
- CIPS Procurement Salary Guide 2019 (UK)
- CIPS Procurement Salary Guide 2019 (AUS)
