Procurement / Purchasing Careers

[Davidoff]

I am seriously considering quite a significant change in lifestyle and location, being currently based in London.
I have over 4 years experience working in Procurement, within direct (2 years) and indirect (2.5 years) areas. That is at the vigorous age of 25, having obtained a BSc degree back in 2009.

My strength has been working across a number of clients and categories in consulting (BPO) and so I am looking for any fresh opportunities in Buenos Aires for professional procurement jobs.

I am currently studying to get my Spanish to an acceptable level, but it is becoming increasingly likely that I need to start my work early in targetting companies and understanding the market. Does anyone have any understanding or appreciation?

Does anyone know of any recruitment agencies who specialise in Procurement? Alternatively anyone with Procurement departments based there, who may be interested in a speculative discussion or CV submission?

Many thanks for your help. This seems like a fantastic community...

 

[Davidglen77]

It's great that you want to adventure here and start working in your field. I don't mean to sound negative, but there are literally 1000s of Argentine young, college degreed, bi-lingual (english, spanish and even portuguese) that are looking for any type of job similar to the one you mention. Furthermore, most of the types of jobs you mention are related to "comercio exterior" which is customs and companies that hire people for those jobs require that you either have experience in that field (in Argentina) or a degree and certificate as well. Customs procedures here are VERY complex and what would be the reason for them to hire you if there are people from here banging down the door to get those same jobs? If you have a universally desireable skill, such as computer programming, web programming or telecommunications, you have a better chance. If you don't you will most likely end up teaching english or telemarketing and make barely enough money to get by, really barely. I in no way mean to sound negative, but that is the reality of things here. If you are so inclined to come here you definitely should, but be prepared for the reality of the Argentine job market and it's difficulties.

 

[Davidoff]

Appreciate the feedback David, I really do. That's the type of feedback I want to hear because I do appreciate that it is going to be a struggle finding what I want.
That said, I am particularly well rounded and strong in my field, with a proven track record of driving savings and managing stakeholders of all levels, especially for my age. I also think that organisations in BA may seek a young English national, who is capable of mixing things up and bringing innovation to how they do things.

However I am not aware of how procurement is perceived as a job in Argentina, for instance there are very few roles in Spain to that extent, in fact I dont believe the job "Buyer" even exists over there. Does anyone else have any knowledge in this field?

 

[Rich One]

Suggest you contact directly in B.A. some British and/or foreign companies doing business internationally, stating your forte points , knowledge of specific international markets, or specific products like grains, foodstuffs cosmetics, energy , chemicals , etc. Maybe Carrefour, Jumbo or Fallabela need an experienced buyer to source foreign products.
Good luck

 

[syngirl]

]

I also think that organisations in BA may seek a young English national, who is capable of mixing things up and bringing innovation to how they do things.

Do you know Argentina/Buenos Aires at all well? Because I would actually say the opposite is true ... Ie mixing things up and bringing innovation not necessarily appreciated in a lot of fields. Sales and purchasing depts tend to be filled with guys who are chamuyeros (smooth talkers) -- they are often older, they do not rely on university degrees and training but on their relationships. A lot of these guys are in their 40s 50s and beyond and are definitely old school with little to no appreciation for the young up and comer who knows a new way because they studied at university.

Customs yes is definitely off the books for someone not from here... At 25 you will not be appreciated as a whiz kid, but you're going to have to go in at the bottom, if you can even find a job in your field. Do as said above, contact some foreign companies with operations here. You may be better off looking at a move as a 5 year project -- get yourself a position in a company with a Latin american division, get your Spanish going, build your experience, and get a transfer here. The lifestyle will be a LOT better than what you'll be able to get for yourself now. Right now you'd really find it a struggle financially, inflations a mess etc. come over on a transfer and you could find yourself in a swank expat apartment on liberator or the like with a salary paid in sterling or euro.

 

[citygirl]

I'm pretty intimately familiar as I manged a global BPO prob for a major client all cat/sub-cat lines in idirect that was responsible for operational activities as well as low complexity sourcing across the globe.

Why would you choose Argentina? I'm curious what makes you think this would be the logical next place? I'm also curious what you think your experience here would add to your resume?

I will tell you what I know.
1) At 25, you are quite jr, esp in terms of how the hiring is done here in Argentina. Age does play a large role.
2) You will find salaries quite low here compared to what buyers make in other areas of the world.
3) Your lack of familiarity with local suppliers and lack of fluent proficiency in Spanish as well as negotiating experience here will probably rule out an Argentine company. Which would put you in line for a multi-national (who do tend to use English as a universal). They're also the ones that would probably be willing to sponsor a work visa. Salaries again would be quite low however and many are trimming operations in Argentina due to the problems here.

If you're looking for global experience, I would applaud it but suggest you first look within the EU and if your heart is set on SA, look to Brasil (although time to brush up on Portuguese).

Alternatively, you may want to broaden your search to consulting companies like Accenture, et al who have outsourcing LOBs and are usually looking for consultants and given your experience on that side of the desk, you would probably be an asset to them.

 

[Davidoff]

Thank you for your comments, it seems you're both coming to the same conclusion..get sponsored in a large multinational.

My thought process behind Buenos Aires is a) you guys/girls seem to love it B) I have a Columbian lady friend (with visa difficulties) and C) I'm just bored of being worked like a dog here in London. I am getting itchy feet and some of my friends and contacts who have their own sites are travelling the world with their own websites ticking over and recovering revenue whilst they live the high life.

In simplistic terms I am jealous, but upon further reflection I know I need to work and build my procurement career, but I want to do so abroad. I just don't actually enjoy my job enough to not crave such a beautiful change of scenery at this moment in time. I don't want to wake up in 10 years and feel I regret taking the risk and throwing myself in at the deep-end. I also know that the only way my Spanish will get to a decent level is to be in at the deep end.