MCIPS-qualified professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa earn 38% more

• 57% of Sub-Saharan professionals received a salary increase in the last 12 months
• In a change from 2016, when the private sector reported the highest average salaries, last year’s top performer was the charity/not-for-profit sector
• Men earn more than women at more senior levels, especially at advanced professional level where the pay gap is 26%
• Unlike the UK and in line with last year, women tend to earn more than men at managerial, operational and tactical levels
• Despite a downturn in the economy, 41% received a bonus in the last 12 months

There were 371 responses from the Sub-Saharan region

Rise in the perceived value of procurement

“There is a rise in the perceived value of procurement in the Sub-Saharan region in the public and private sector. CIPS has been working hard with a number of partners and members to raise the profile of this most important of profession,” said Andre Coetzee, Managing Director of CIPS Africa.

With risk on the increase around the world, major legislative changes (from ethical to economic) in countries part of the global supply chain we all rely on, will have an impact. Procurement professionals have become the guardians of the enterprise to advise businesses on a range of issues.

“Once again, the value of MCIPS offers rewards and returns in equal measure, as procurement managers earn on average, significantly more than non-members and are highly sought-after. It’s a testament to our members for their expertise and dedication, and I hope, commitment to keep their skills up to date – which will mean even more demand for their skills in the coming years, said Coetzee.”

Demand for technical and soft skills

Organisations have moved from a tactical to a more strategically-aligned procurement function as they take advantage of the efficiencies this can bring. There is also continued development in the technological side of procurement, with investment in more sophisticated sourcing tools becoming prevalent.

Candidates with the right mix of technical and soft skills are therefore in high demand. Skills shortages are still affecting many organisations as demand outstrips supply in many areas of procurement. Competition for the best procurement professionals remains fierce, requiring many organisations to review their benefits packages to attract and retain candidates.

“A number of employers [are] investing in training and development of their procurement teams – such as offering the opportunity to achieve the MCIPS qualification. Employers able to identify skills shortages in their procurement function as well as adapt their benefits offerings will find themselves in good shape to compete for the best talent in the market,” said Coetzee.

Addressing the talent gap

Scott Dance, Director Hays Procurement & Supply Chain, commented: “50% of employees plan to leave their jobs in the next two years, and 71% want to progress to more senior roles. That’s quite a lot of movement in a short space of time and, with a shortage of talent, we need to address the gap this type of movement creates.”

He added that “additionally, there is also continued development in the technological side of procurement, with investment in more sophisticated sourcing tools becoming prevalent. Candidates with the right mix of technical and soft skills are therefore in high demand. Skills shortages are still affecting many organisations as demand outstrips supply in many areas of procurement.”

Responses to the survey were received from the UK, Australia, Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. Various levels of seniority completed the survey including advanced professionals (procurement director), managerial (senior buyer), operational (buyer) and tactical (assistant buyer). The guide [link] is divided into sections relating to salaries and bonuses, procurement as a career, and the perception of procurement’s role in organisations.

Request a copy of the report from www.cips.org/hays