When I began my career as a dental therapist in the public health system, I never imagined it would lead to a career in procurement. My focus back then was caring for my patients, being resourceful and ensuring public money was spent efficiently. Those instincts of being cost consciousness, problem-solving, and clear communication became the foundation of a fulfilling career that would take me from the dental clinic to the boardrooms of state government as a Chief Procurement Officer.
Now, as the founder of The Procurement Coach, I help others discover what I learned along the way, that procurement professionals come from everywhere, and your transferable skills might make you a great fit for the industry.
The Unexpected Path to Procurement
Like many, I found procurement while working for the Western Australian State Government. What started as an administrative opportunity quickly revealed a career that blended everything I loved – collaboration, problem-solving and making decisions that made a genuine and lasting impact on communities.
Working in public dental therapy had already shaped how I thought about value. Every decision mattered, and every dollar had to deliver impact. When I entered procurement, I realised those principles were very much the same only on a much larger scale.
The skills I’d built with patients translated to stakeholder engagement, curiosity, analytical thinking, tender evaluations, supplier management, and policy interpretation – the list went on! A change to procurement didn’t mean starting over again, it meant enhancing the skills I already had.
Why Procurement Offers Room to Grow
Procurement gives you a front-row seat to how organisations work. You’ll often collaborate with every function of an organisation. Each project sharpens your ability to manage risk, balance compliance with innovation and deliver results that matter.
It’s also a leadership training ground. You can influence decisions, build trust across teams and drive measurable, positive change. As your expertise grows, so do your options – from sourcing manager to ESG lead, even becoming a Chief Procurement Officer. A strong professional community helps. One of mine was through CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) and I encourage you to be on the lookout for mentors, trust me they are out there.
Transferable Skills That Make You Procurement-Ready
Wondering if procurement suits you? Look for these traits:
- You understand and engage proactively with stakeholders
- You’re mindful of budgets and value
- You bridge technical and business language
- You enjoy turning complexity into clarity
- You believe in transparent, ethical decision making
If this sounds like you, get in touch with The Procurement Coach today – because you’re already on your way.
My Takeaway
Across the various sectors I have worked, including disability, education and transport, I’ve found the greatest reward is watching people grow. Mentorship runs deep in procurement. It’s about creating value, trust and delivering real impact, from social procurement to supplier diversity.
That’s why I founded The Procurement Coach – to help people recognise it as a career and refine suppliers’ approach so they can succeed.