The UK jobs market for purchasing professionals outperformed most other professions during the second quarter of 2011, and looks set to improve further.

Research by Edbury Daley showed that recruitment picked up in the procurement sector, with high demand for category leaders and sourcing managers in particular. It is hoped that this increased activity will lead to a ‘trickle-down’ effect to include lower-level positions as well.

The survey revealed particularly strong growth in the FMCG sector. Procurement roles in the technology, events, travel and marketing sectors also performed particularly well. The survey comes as research by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply showed that procurement salaries also outperformed equivalent roles in other business areas, with CIPS qualified individuals earning considerably more than those without professional purchasing qualifications.

Karen Heslop, Senior Recruitment Consultant at specialist supply chain recruitment agency DLC Recruitment, said “as businesses focus on tightening their finances, supply chain and purchasing professionals will continue to be in high demand across all industries as they are capable of delivering the significant savings that companies need to achieve.”

“It’s also no surprise that buyers with CIPS qualifications still command higher salaries than those without. Employers recognise the benefits that professionally qualified staff can bring to their organisation, and are prepared to pay a premium to recruit professionally qualified purchasing staff.”