The career pathways section aims to:

• Provide helpful guidance on the types of procurement and supply chain management positions that exist within the Oil & Gas Industry
• Highlight the competencies and skill sets that normally align with such positions coupled of course with experience already gained.
• Help determine the appropriate entry point onto the scheme that ensures forward development and progression towards the relevant CIPS qualification level
  
  Choosing the Oil & Gas Industry and developing supportive business philosophies:
  
  The supply chain working practices developed by the UK oil & gas sector are cutting edge, therefore; obtaining a good working knowledge and understanding of such practices should be a complementary aspect of all practitioners’ personal development plans in the sector. Supporting business philosophies to develop include:
• Improving performance, eliminating unnecessary costs, adding value and boosting competiveness
• Code of practice for key stages within the commercial process (Plan, Contract, Perform & Pay)
  • Transparent planning of contracting activity
  • Streamlining contracting and commercial processes
  • Performance feedback indicators and Payment cycles
• Best practice business improvement tools & techniques
• Internet supply chain database (FPAL)
• Standard contract & ITT model forms
• Collaborative behaviours.

Further information to enable you to begin your development in these areas, thereby complementing your CIPS professional development, can be accessed by visiting the Oil & Gas UK website.

Oil & Gas Industry Development Routes:
In terms of self assessment of here you might fit onto the scheme - the site has been designed to help you navigate through one of three likely routes for participating on the scheme. These three routes are outlined in the below diagram and key. You can also scroll down to view and download various oil and gas industry career pathways:

Entry Level:
This level is designed to develop those entrants with little or no knowledge of procurement and supply chain management. It might be an appropriate entry level for a school leaver being sponsored by an employer or for someone more mature entering the profession afresh and wishing to undertake the level 2 introductory certificate in purchasing and supply.

Progression:
Moving up / progression refers to your movement up the structured ladder from a platform of having already attained level 2. The next level is Level 3: Certificate in Purchasing & Supply, then Level 4: Foundation Diploma in Purchasing & Supply, then Level 5: Advanced Diploma in Purchasing & Supply leading through to the Graduate Diploma at Level 6. Attainment of which results in full Chartered status (MCIPS) being conferred upon successful candidates.

Beyond Chartered status experienced senior practitioners who have already achieved MCIPS have an opportunity to undertake further personal and professional development by undertaking the Level 7 Executive Diploma. This part of the scheme uses a self-managed learning approach supported by an academic supervisor, a business sponsor and a network of peers. In conjunction with the mentor and supervisor the candidate sets a learning agenda which is appropriate to their personal and professional circumstances. Over the course of the programme, the candidate will improve their technical skills whilst developing their ability to influence and lead business improvement projects.

Enhancement:
Enhancement refers to a route whereby participants can simply top up and enhance their existing knowledge base by undertaking specific units on any of the levels (2 to 6) to address any perceived knowledge gaps. It is envisaged that this will be more appropriate for those wishing to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) rather than embark upon the fully professional qualification ladder.

Oil & Gas Industry Career Pathways:
Click on the below PDF’s to view potential Oil & Gas industry career pathways for supply chain practitioners. Each matrix is colour coded to match the three possible routes outlined above. The matrices have been designed as guides to help inform and assist with your professional learning and development plans. Each contains job titles, descriptions and the typical qualifications and core competencies required for each role.

• Supply Chain, procurement & sub-contracts
• Expediting
• Materials, management & logistics

CIPS Competencies
There are 7 levels contained within the scheme. Education service provision for levels 2 to 6 is provided directly by CIPS or alternatively via regional centres in accordance with the National Vocational Qualification Framework levels or NVQ’s. Level 7 (Executive Diploma) Education service provision is managed by a number of CIPS accredited Higher Education/University establishments.

Exemptions to certain units contained within each of the levels (2 to 6) are possibly dependent upon the existing qualifications, competencies and experience already gained by applicants. Normally however those entering the scheme would usually commence at level 4 or below. The CIPS Education and Assessment team will have sole responsibility for determining the appropriate entry level for each applicant.