How a CIPS Qualification Can Boost Your Career

CIPs gives your career a boost

Procurement and supply-chain professionals are being asked to do more than ever: manage risk, drive sustainability, deliver savings, and keep complex global networks moving.

Standing out from the crowd is vital. One of the most effective ways to do that is by earning a qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), the professional gold standard recognised by employers worldwide.

Below, we explore exactly how a CIPS qualification can accelerate your career trajectory and how the SRSCC team can help you get there.

What Is CIPS? A Complete Guide to the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

What is CIPS and why does it matter?

CIPS sets globally accepted benchmarks for best practice in buying and supply management. Its qualifications ladder (Levels 2-6) takes learners from operational know-how right through to strategic leadership, with those completing Levels 4-6, plus three years’ experience, eligible to apply for MCIPS membership. MCIPS professionals typically command a salary premium of around 20 per cent over non-MCIPS peers.

Seven career-changing benefits of a CIPS qualification

1. Higher earning power
  • The 2024 CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide puts the average UK salary for the profession at £53,501, with salaries continuing to rise by around 6.6 per cent year-on-year.
  • MCIPS-qualified professionals at the “leading” level earn roughly £10,000 more (a 20 % uplift) than those without MCIPS

In short, the investment you make in your studies translates directly into bigger pay cheques and stronger long-term earning potential.

CIPS is recognised by public and private-sector employers around the world. Holding the qualification signals that you understand ethical sourcing, risk management, commercial law, and strategic cost leadership – topics that matter to boards everywhere.

Over half of employers (54 %) actively prefer candidates who already have, or are studying towards, MCIPS status. A CIPS certificate, therefore, gets your CV onto the shortlist more often and helps you progress into management roles sooner.

Each level of the syllabus is refreshed regularly to reflect evolving trends, from sustainable procurement to digital supply-chain analytics. You’ll gain practical tools you can apply immediately, boosting your impact on day-to-day performance as well as long-term strategy.

Whether you work in healthcare, construction, aerospace, or the charity sector, the principles of professional procurement remain the same. Because CIPS is internationally recognised, your qualification travels with you if you switch industries or relocate overseas.
CIPS membership plugs you into a global community of 70,000+ practitioners. From local branch meetings to specialist knowledge hubs and conferences, you’ll build relationships that open doors to suppliers, mentors, and future employers.
Completing Levels 4-6 positions you for MCIPS, widely regarded as the badge of senior procurement leaders. Many director and chief procurement officer (CPO) job specs list MCIPS as “essential” or “highly desirable”; gaining it now puts you ahead of the field for tomorrow’s top roles.

Ready to take the next step?

A CIPS qualification isn’t just another line on your CV; it’s a catalyst that unlocks higher salaries, faster promotions, and a global professional network. If you’re serious about advancing in procurement and supply, there’s no better time to start.

Explore our upcoming CIPS courses or call the SRSCC team on 01772 282 555 to discuss the best level for your goals. Let’s boost your career together.

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Discover our CIPS Courses

Our courses are designed to accelerate your career in the procurement and supply chain industries. If you would like to learn more about our courses, call the SRSCC team on 01772 282555 or complete our contact form. Start your journey to success today.

CIPS Level 3

Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations.

CIPS Level 4

Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

CIPS Level 5

Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

CIPS Level 6

Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

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How a CIPS Qualification Can Boost Your Career
2025-11-06T09:00:48+00:00
Eric Martindale
Bethanie Stimpson SRSCC

Bethanie Stimpson

Progress Mentor

Bethanie began her career in the fitness industry, working as a personal trainer and gym instructor before becoming involved in coaching children through a triathlon club. This experience sparked her passion for working with young people and ultimately led her into a career in education. She initially worked in a nursery and later as a one-to-one teaching assistant in a primary school, before completing her teaching qualification and postgraduate studies. Since then, Bethanie has taught in both the private and state education sectors.

Her academic background includes a qualification in Sports Development, Fitness and Coaching at college, alongside a Childhood & Youth undergraduate degree (2:1). These studies have enabled her to combine her interests in sport, education, and child development, shaping her holistic approach to teaching and mentoring.

Bethanie is passionate about supporting learners to achieve their goals — educationally, personally, and in terms of wellbeing. She places strong emphasis on communication and relationship building, and takes great pride in helping individuals build confidence and overcome challenges. One of her proudest achievements has been supporting learners who initially doubted themselves to grow in confidence and achieve success.

Outside of work, Bethanie has always maintained a strong interest in sport. She previously competed in triathlons and now focuses on running and swimming. In 2023, she completed the London Marathon — an achievement she is particularly proud of. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and their two dogs, which is where she is happiest when not working.

Jazz Bachra SRSCC

Jazz Bachra

Apprenticeship Skills Coach

With over fifteen years of experience in leadership and learning development, Jazz is an accomplished coach and mentor who is passionate about helping individuals achieve their full potential.

He specialises in delivering customer-focused strategies that drive brand differentiation and sustainable business growth, built on a foundation of colleague engagement and continuous learning.
Jazz holds a BA (Hons) in Micro Computing Business Applications from the British Columbian Institute of Technology and a BTEC National Diploma in Business and Computing from London College. He has also achieved a range of professional qualifications, including Education and Training Level 3, and multiple apprenticeship standards such as Operations Manager Level 5, Retail Manager Level 4, and Team Leader Level 3.

Throughout his career, Jazz has developed and inspired high-performing teams across a variety of sectors, creating environments that encourage accountability, growth, and collaboration. His experience includes designing and delivering impactful training programmes, coaching learners to distinction-level results, and building meaningful partnerships with organisations nationwide.

Outside of work, Jazz enjoys keeping active at the gym, playing football, travelling having previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and listening to a wide range of music. He also enjoys relaxing with a good film.

Jack Callaghan

Jack Moore

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In December 2023, Jack joined SRSCC as an Operations Coordinator and quickly established himself as a key member of the team.

Promoted to Team Leader in October 2024, Jack utilises his expertise in auditing processes and innovative problem-solving to identify and enhance growth opportunities.

Jack possesses a strong ability to analyse and refine systems and procedures, consistently uncovering chances for streamlining and automation that drive operational efficiency. He excels at communicating complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Detail-oriented yet big-picture focused, Jack applies his exceptional organisational skills to ensure the team adopts the most effective strategies for achieving both individual and collective goals.

His methodical approach and strategic mindset make Jack an invaluable asset to SRSCC, significantly contributing to the team’s success and the realisation of organisational objectives.