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The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement & Supply is designed for those who have worked in the industry for at least two years. This qualification aims to provide students with the knowledge to understand demand management, arrange supply logistics, and implement new contracts. It’s suitable for those in an operational role who need the capability to carry out procurement and supply operations efficiently and effectively.

The course comprises of 5 units, which are delivered using a blend of group interaction, case studies, and role plays. The units cover a range of topics, including procurement and supply environments, contract administration, ethical procurement and supply, and team dynamics and change.

As for career options, the CIPS Level 3 qualification can open up a variety of roles in the procurement and supply sector. Typical job roles can include:

Procurement Contracts Officer
Procurement Coordinator
Purchasing Assistant

Moreover, a career in procurement and supply is exciting and varied. As a professional in this field, you’ll ensure that goods and services are available when needed and purchased in an ethical and sustainable way.

The purpose and aims of the CIPS Level 2 Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations are to provide an overview of the tasks associated with the procurement and supply chain function, and to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to perform them effectively. The qualification is based on the Tactical and Operational levels of the CIPS Global Standard, which is a framework for best practice in procurement and supply. The qualification consists of five core modules, each covering a different aspect of procurement and supply operations.

Introducing Procurement and Supply (L2M1): This module covers the fundamental roles and activities, the systems, procedures, processes and contracts associated with the procurement and supply function. The aim of this module is to help learners understand how procurement and supply contribute to organisational performance, value creation, risk management, sustainability, ethics and social responsibility.

Procurement and Supply Operations (L2M2): This module covers the operational aspects of procurement and supply operations, such as sourcing strategies, supplier management, contract management, quality management, logistics management, inventory management, expediting services, reverse logistics and disposal. The aim of this module is to help learners develop practical skills in planning, implementing and evaluating procurement and supply operations.

Stakeholder Relationships (L2M3): This module covers the importance of stakeholder relationships in procurement and supply operations, such as internal stakeholders (e.g. senior management, finance department), external stakeholders (e.g. suppliers, customers) and other stakeholders (e.g. regulators). The aim of this module is to help learners understand how to communicate effectively with different stakeholders, manage expectations, resolve conflicts and build trust.

Systems Technology (L2M4): This module covers the use of technology in procurement and supply operations, such as information systems (e.g. databases), communication systems (e.g. email), decision support systems (e.g. spreadsheets) and e-procurement systems (e.g. online auctions). The aim of this module is to help learners evaluate the benefits and challenges of using technology in procurement and supply operations.

Inventory Management & Logistics & Expediting Services (L2M5): This module covers the concepts of inventory management & logistics & expediting services in relation to procurement & supply operations. The aim of this module is to help learners understand how inventory levels affect operational costs & service levels; how logistics activities affect customer satisfaction & delivery performance; how expediting services affect lead times & cash flow; how inventory control methods work; how inventory valuation methods work; how inventory planning methods work; how inventory forecasting methods work; how inventory reporting methods work; how logistics planning methods work; how logistics coordination methods work; how logistics integration methods work; what are logistics networks; what are transportation modes; what are warehousing types; what are distribution channels.

By completing these five core modules successfully, learners will be able to demonstrate their competence in performing various tasks related to procurement & supply operations at a tactical level. They will also be able to apply their knowledge & skills in different contexts & situations. They will be able to identify areas for improvement & development within their own organisation or career path.

CAREER PATH
The career path for someone who did CIPS Level 2 is to pursue further qualifications and experience in procurement and supply operations, which are the activities that involve planning, sourcing, purchasing, delivering, and managing goods and services for an organisation. Some of the possible career options are:

Procurement Manager: A procurement manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement function of an organisation, developing and implementing procurement strategies, policies, and procedures, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and prices, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, monitoring performance and quality of suppliers and services, and leading a team of procurement professionals.

Category Manager: A category manager is responsible for managing a specific category of goods or services within an organisation’s procurement function, such as IT, marketing, or travel. A category manager is responsible for identifying market trends and opportunities, developing sourcing plans and strategies, evaluating supplier capabilities and performance, negotiating contracts and prices, ensuring quality and delivery standards are met, managing supplier relationships and risks.

Purchasing Lead: A purchasing lead is responsible for leading the purchasing function of an organisation’s supply chain department. A purchasing lead is responsible for coordinating the activities of various purchasing roles within the department, such as buyers, contract officers, contract administrators. A purchasing lead is also responsible for developing sourcing strategies and plans for different categories of goods or services within the organisation’s supply chain.

Senior Buyer: A senior buyer is responsible for buying goods or services on behalf of an organisation from external suppliers. A senior buyer is responsible for conducting market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities and performance. A senior buyer is also responsible for preparing purchase orders and contracts with suppliers.