Languages and qualifications
British companies are teaming up with foreign partners to gain access to new markets and this has led to an increase in global sourcing and the opportunities for procurement professionals have expanded.
Going global
The level of international trade, in particular sourcing from abroad, is continually on the increase. The single currency and advances in technology have enabled trading with overseas partners to become more efficient and relatively inexpensive.
UK firms have been increasingly able to access foreign markets, and sourcing low cost items from abroad is turning out to be the crux in keeping many manufacturing firms alive.
Managers are taking advantage of exciting opportunities overseas, training local staff and managing ongoing operations. Secondments to the Far East or Europe are becoming more common while relationships are being fostered with foreign partners.
Language skills
Working in Europe does not have to represent a drastic move as European countries are relatively similar in culture to the UK, so it is fairly easy to adjust - the vast majority of European Union (EU) citizens have polished written and verbal English language skills, and similarly UK professionals may well be proficient themselves in a EU language(s).
Foreign languages are naturally advantageous if you are trying to secure key accounts with overseas suppliers. Even if a potential supplier does speak English, an effort to speak their language might help to smooth negotiations and lead to new opportunities. The issue of international communication cannot be ignored if you want to stay one step ahead.
Relocating long term does not have to be the only option. With the increasing availability of travel options, it is easy to commute for part of the week, to France for example.
Cultural divide
If you are working abroad, then details as minor as your handshake can impact a meeting, and there are also a considerable number of rules to observe when doing business over the phone, or the internet. Lack of knowledge of your counterpart's business manner can lead to awkward and unsuccessful negotiations without you ever realising what went wrong.
Clearly, it helps if you already work for a global organisation with offces in every contintent. This means that you will have colleagues who have a good knowledge of the language and local culture, which is crucial when doing business internationally.
English does remain the universal business language of choice: however, foreign languages are vital for smaller companies who do not have a localised presence. Accessing foreign markets is pivotal to future success for global procurement firms.
Did you know that...
- Age equals rank in Japanese culture - elder colleagues command great respect
- In most areas of Germany, men stand when women enter a room - women are not expected to rise
- Writing on someone's business card is perceived negatively in Japan and Singapore
- American business people negotiate at an extremely fast pace and detest time-wasting
- French business protocol requires constant formality and reserve in negotiation
Get qualified
Recruitment consultants strongly emphasise the advantage of studying for the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualification to secure the best roles in purchasing as employers are increasingly requesting it when advertising new positions.
Employers respect the qualification and it is always an advantage to be recognised as part of a chartered body such as CIPS as this shows that an employee takes the purchasing function seriously and is dedicated to their career.
Furthermore, research by the CIPS has revealed that salaries for purchasing and supply professionals have experienced exceptional growth, particularly at senior level. The vast majority of a firm's revenue is accounted for by bought-in goods and services and hence the contribution of effective purchasing and supply management.
Keeping an eye on your career options is an ongoing process. If you are in purchasing, there is no doubt that global procurement is an exciting and imminent phase of the future. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, then languages, qualifications, and learning about new cultures are the ways forward. However, interpersonal skills are also key to success. Motivation, creativity and passion for the job will take you far.
For more information, visit the CIPS website. Click here.
