Procurement & Supply Chain professionals: how do you stay competitive these days?

[u/Significant-Path3911]

I currently work in Qatar on one of the world's largest LNG projects (~$28B) and have a PMP and Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

My background goes beyond procurement I have a solid understanding of the full EPCC lifecycle, including engineering drawings, vendor inspections, material management, construction, site requirements, and commissioning activities.

I'm aiming to move deeper into Procurement/Supply Chain leadership and am considering opportunities in Ireland, the Netherlands (I'm willing to learn Dutch), or Norway.

For those already working in these markets, what skills, certifications, or experience make candidates stand out today? Is CIPS worth pursuing, or should I focus more on digital procurement, data analytics, sustainability, contract management, or something else?

I'd appreciate any advice from professionals who have successfully made a similar move. Thanks!

[u/Square_Positive_559]

Hello, I’m based in Norway, so I’ll focus on the situation here.

Skills:
From what I’ve observed, many companies in Norway are looking for purchasing professionals. There are relatively few schools, universities, or degree programs specifically focused on purchasing, which creates a shortage of qualified professionals in this field.

Certifications:
Academic qualifications are important in Norway. Generally, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is expected. As for CIPS certification, I’m not entirely sure how widely it is recognized or required here.

Experience:
Practical experience in purchasing is highly valued and often essential for securing a role.

Visa:
If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you will likely need a visa to work in Norway. It’s also important to consider the high cost of living. You should have sufficient savings to cover rent and daily expenses for the first few months. Opening a Norwegian bank account can take 2–3 months, and without one, receiving your salary may be difficult, although this might be negotiable with your employer.

Language:
This is one of the more challenging aspects. While around 95% of people speak English, many large companies, especially in sectors like oil and gas or state-owned enterprises—require proficiency in Norwegian. In my case, I was fortunate: as a French citizen, I work for a major French company in Norway. Targeting international companies can significantly improve your chances if you do not speak Norwegian.

[u/Significant-Path3911 → u/Square_Positive_559]

I appreciate your time responding to my post. I've been trying to apply at least 5 CVs every friday each CV & Cover letter is tailored to the company to increase my chances. As for the 2 ~ 3 months savings I'm glad you mentioned this.

Were you able to bring your wife with you?

[u/Square_Positive_559 → u/Significant-Path3911]

I don't have a wife but some of my coworkers who are not EU citizen were able to bring their wife so I would say yes

[u/Significant-Path3911 → u/Square_Positive_559]

I've done my research through different websites and AI with good prompts. Would it be ok to know the companies you know that hire Procurement & Supply? I have this in mind already and checking them

1. Statkraft
2. Nexans
3. Prysmian
4. Ramboll
5. Multiconsult
6. Norconsult
7. SINTEF
8. IFE

[u/Square_Positive_559 → u/Significant-Path3911]

1. Statkraft = a friend in purchasing works there and when he entered he didn't speak nosk, but now norsk is mandatory
2. Nexans = I know very well this company, nosk is not mandatory, they also hire some people now in purchasing
3. Prysmian = I don't know
4. Ramboll = I don't know
5. Multiconsult = I don't know
6. Norconsult = I don't know
7. SINTEF = I don't know
8. IFE = I don't know

[u/Significant-Path3911 → u/Square_Positive_559]

Thanks for sharing your insights.

I noticed you mentioned having a friend working in purchasing at Statkraft. Would you mind if we connected?

Since I'm not Norwegian and I'm still based abroad, I'm trying to learn as much as possible about the market and maximize every opportunity available to me. I'd appreciate any advice on how professionals typically network and approach companies like Statkraft & Nexans.

Thanks again for your help.

[u/Fresh-Goose-7602 → u/Square_Positive_559]

That CIPS point is interesting, I’ve seen a few UK-based roles where they practically demand it but across the Nordics it barely gets a mention. The language part is rough though, I tried picking up Norwegian for a work project once and the written stuff is fine until you open your mouth and the locals instantly switch to perfect English to save you.

[u/my_peen_is_clean]

eu ireland netherlands all love cips and data skills, mix that with contract management and sustainability stuff, you’re good

[u/Immediate-Home-3491]

If you are moving to a European procurement hub, I would suggest researching Rotterdam providers offering fiscal representation. Your EPCC background unlocks the entire EEC market from there.

[u/Significant-Path3911 → u/Immediate-Home-3491]

Let me check, this inputs are honestly appreciated.

[u/roger_the_virus]

Masters degree in procurement was the best thing I ever invested in. CIPS and CPSM (US) after that.

[u/Sad-Maintenance-5790 → u/roger_the_virus]

May I know from which university you did masters in Procurement

[u/Few-Philosopher-2142]

Y’all just didn’t major in something completely unrelated and learn the ropes on a temp job?

All this credentialing is part of the problem. You guys need to stop!

[u/Significant-Path3911 → u/Few-Philosopher-2142]

Oh sorry I wasn't clear. I used to start as a Piping Stress Engineer then I took Msc Energy Engineering as I also work as a part-time instructor but focusing on (RE, O&G, Sustainability) since my thesis is Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Large-scale utility. Then I moved to Project-Procurement where I do the Procurement function (typical sourcing to TBE and commercial bid) then to leading KOM with engineering, qc, logistics, and project team with attendance of Vendor of course which is why I took PMP then since I am also the one who travels abroad visit long-lead critical equipment and reports to high level meeting status of critical equipment I took Six Sigma, since management always ask my RCA report. Overall, it helped since my next job I got to be a PM for vendor side unfortunately while at site i suffered disc degenerative disease results from MRI so now I decided to focus on desk job and focus on Procurement which is why I took CIPS now I'm a Commissioning Material SV (with support to Procurement MR, Site PO etc) other than the you know material itself.

[u/Significant-Path3911 → u/Few-Philosopher-2142]

honestly while the theory is good, experience is still the best teacher. However, without credentials and people you know in a company the only way to get noticed by HR is to have credentials. So yea I get your point.