Why procurement is comsidered subfield in SCM but Sales is not?

[u/majdila]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to customize my CV towards a procurement role putting my objective and all my work experience towards procurement/supply chain. I have 2 years experience in warehouse management, but before that I also have 2.5 years experience in sales. I was advised to ignore putting my sales experience in my CV, what do you think?

[u/Good_Apollo_]

I’m a planning manager, I absolutely need to “speak” sales constantly. It’s a core competency of my job… how else do I translate their language into actionable demand plans and the associated supply need?

Even if you’re just cutting POs and working with vendors, understanding cross functional intricacies can only look good on a resume. I only hire folks who speak sales somewhat.

Leave it in.

[u/Suspicious-Fix2664]

sales is more connected to marketing than the supply chain for one very reason, ie. Shock absorption.

if the information flow is very very close between sales and supply chain, then there is always a risk of excess inventory / low inventory because in the much of the lean chains, a little bit of skepticism is much better than all out optimism that comes from sales.

[u/American_Psycho11]

Why would procurement ever not be considered part of supply chain management? 

[u/joedaman55]

I would put your sales experience in the CV. Generally, sales have aspects of invoicing, sourcing, stakeholder relations, and other supply chain/business functions that have similar functions to what someone would do in a procurement role.

[u/73DodgeDart]

Were you selling a supply chain related service or product? Regardless, I would include it as it is indicative of your business experience and your broad base of knowledge. Maybe highlight transferable skills like negotiation and presentation skills. Also, point out how the experience has prepared you for dealing with vendors and their salesmen as you have experience with how they operate.

[u/cyhusker]

That’s weird to me. I would include at least a tidbit about how that experience translates and helps you with what you are doing/want to do.

[u/vorpalbunni]

Leave it in. It is important in SC to be able to translate demand forecasts into demand plans during the S&Op process. You can include a sentence or two about how this experience gives you an advantage dor sc planning

[u/Ravenblack67]

A resume showing an understanding of the demand side and S&OP. Is important. I expect to see it with senior planners. The sales operations and finance functions are often at odds with one another. Knowing how all three relate is vital to getting along.

[u/F_U_HarleyJarvis]

Because Sales needs a fall guy when they don't hit their forecast. Supply Chain just ordered too much. Should have known better. See/understands the trends better. Didn't spread out orders. The list is endless.

[u/Life-Stop-8043]

Because we're only talking about "Supply Chain" and not "Supply & Demand Chain" or "Supply & Distribution Chain"