Finding the Right Role in Procurement: The Power of Self-Reflection and Life Alignment

Choosing the right role in procurement isn’t just a career decision—it’s a life decision. The path you take can shape not only your professional journey but also your overall happiness and sense of fulfilment. I’ve learned this through my own experiences, and I can’t stress enough how vital it is to make choices that align with who you are and what you truly want from life.

I’ve seen all too often that individuals rush into new roles only to find that this wasn’t the right role for them. This has especially been the case when they haven’t spent the time to understand what types of roles are likely to feel most aligned.

It’s good to keep an open mind on roles that might present themselves, but it’s also important to build an understanding of what is most likely to keep you excited in the role, and what your deal-breakers are when deciding whether to take it.

Understanding the Landscape of Procurement Roles

Before diving into any role, it’s crucial to understand the diverse landscape of procurement. The field is broad, and it means something different in each organisation. There will be different objectives, levels of engagement and investment. Each role demands a different skill set and offers a unique experience.

It’s not enough to simply understand what these roles entail. To find the right role rather than the first role you need to consider how it aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.

There are so many different career choices to consider in procurement, which makes it an exciting long-term career choice for people that want to make a difference.

It’s ok to not aspire to become a future global CPO, and there are many ways that you can broaden your experience over time, especially as the profession continues to evolve at pace.

Procurement is also uniquely positioned to have a holistic view of the organisation. The skills developed in strategic procurement are highly transferable and valuable to other areas of the business, so for those that opt for a pivot, there can be good career opportunities beyond procurement.

The Importance of Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is, without a doubt, the most critical step in finding the right role. It’s not just about assessing your skills and strengths; it’s about asking yourself deeper questions:

·?????? What are my values?

·?????? What do I want my life to look like?

·?????? What energises me, and brings me joy beyond my salary?

For me, going through this process was a massive turning point for me, and led to a career pivot to launch my own business earlier this year. I understood that I wanted to be able to help many more people to transform their lives by being much happier in their chosen career, whilst also prioritising the needs of myself and my family.

If you skip this step, you risk ending up in a position that might look good on paper but leaves you feeling unfulfilled. Taking the time to reflect on what you really want from your career—and life—can make all the difference.

Aligning Your Role with Life Goals

Your career should reflect the life you want to live. For some, that might mean a fast-paced role with plenty of challenges and opportunities for progression. For others, it could mean a position that offers stability and work-life balance, allowing time for family, hobbies, or other passions.

Personally, I’ve always been driven by a desire to grow and make a difference. But it’s also important to balance ambition with personal fulfilment. A role that aligns with your life goals is more likely to bring long-term satisfaction than one that only ticks career-oriented boxes.

Ask yourself:

·?????? Where do I see myself in the short, medium or even longer-term?

·?????? What kind of lifestyle do I want?

Your answers should guide your career choices.

Learning from Others and Building a Network

In my experience, talking to others who have walked similar paths can be incredibly enlightening. Whether through mentorship, coaching or simply networking, these conversations can provide perspectives you might not have considered. I’ve learned a great deal from others, helping me make more informed decisions about my own career.

Engaging with a coach or mentor who understands both the industry and your personal goals can offer guidance that’s not just about career progression, but about life alignment.

The Power of Experience and Continuous Learning

Experience is a powerful teacher, but it’s important to seek out experiences that help you grow in the direction you want to go.

Continuous learning, whether through formal education like a CIPS qualification or simply staying informed about industry trends, also plays a key role in ensuring that your career evolves in a way that aligns with your life goals.

Making the Right Decision: The Longer-Term View

The decision to choose a role in procurement is not one to be taken lightly. It’s a choice that can significantly impact your overall happiness and fulfilment. That’s why it’s so important to not just consider the immediate benefits, but to take a long-term view.

·?????? Will this role help you live the life you want?

·?????? Will it bring you closer to your personal and professional goals?

When I reflect on my own journey, it’s clear that the roles where I felt most aligned with my broader life goals were the ones where I found the most satisfaction. Those decisions weren’t always the easiest to make, but they were the right ones because they were rooted in a deep understanding of what I wanted from my life and career.

Conclusion: Choosing a Role that Reflects Your Life Ambitions

Finding the right role in procurement is about much more than matching your skills to a job description. It’s about ensuring that your career choices reflect the life you want to live. Through self-reflection, careful consideration of your goals, and learning from the experiences of others, you can make decisions that lead to both professional success and personal fulfilment.

Remember, this is your life and your career. Take the time to reflect, to understand what you truly want, and to align your decisions with those desires. The right role is out there - it’s just a matter of making sure it aligns with who you are and where you want to go.

I work on a one-to-one basis with UK-based procurement professionals who are looking for support with finding confidence and clarity to make the right career decision. Please see www.narrateyourcareer.co.uk for more information.