An increased focus on cost controls has created increased demand for purchasing managers, according to Pat Law, managing director of Hays Procurement.

Law’s comments follow a report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which shows that the number of purchasing manager positions occupied in the UK has risen by 121% between 2001 and 2010.

Law says: “The profession has seen a large rise in popularity because of its obvious cost-saving activity, which has increased demand for those people with the relevant skills and background.

“Another reason for the rise is likely to be due to the much-improved profile of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, which has encouraged people into the profession. Purchasing has become more recognised as a career choice in its own right, whereas before professionals may have had purchasing responsibilities within their role but not the specific job title. 

“The procurement jobs market is currently showing clear signs of recovery and although companies are still facing recessionary pressures employers are beginning to recruit again as they seek better value from their supply base.

“The public sector is also cautiously recruiting to supplement internal expertise to manage the various cost saving, commissioning and efficiency programmes. The resurgence of the manufacturing sector in certain regions has provided opportunities for professionals with strong engineering and direct commodity expertise.”