Introduction
In this inspiring session, we had the pleasure of speaking with Abdulmajeed Al Sheraim, a seasoned professional in the field of procurement. He generously shared his journey—from starting his career at just 17 years old with Saudi Aramco to growing into a leadership role in procurement. Whether you’re considering a career in procurement or simply curious about what the field entails, Abdulmajeed‘s story offers valuable insights and motivation.
How it started: A career that chose him!
“As many of us will come to realize—you do not choose a career in procurement. Procurement chooses you.” — Abdulmajeed Al Sheraim
Abdulmajeed’s path began at age 17 when he joined Saudi Aramco through an apprenticeship program. Despite being underage, an exception was made, and he started as an executive assistant. His attention to detail, strong communication skills, and relentless curiosity laid the foundation for his future in procurement.
The Spark: From Assistant to Procurement Specialist
Early responsibilities involved reading internal correspondence and ensuring everything was properly documented—an essential practice in procurement. His diligence and precision did not go unnoticed. With guidance from mentors, Abdulmajeed transitioned into the role of contract advisor assistant and eventually advanced through the ranks.
What Is Procurement, Really?
Procurement, in its essence, is about solving problems that can’t be solved internally.
“It’s about procuring goods or services to enable the success of your organization.” Abdulmajeed Al Sheraim
Procurement professionals act as the bridge between external vendors and internal departments. Their goal is to secure the best value—balancing cost, quality, and timelines—while aligning with the strategic goals of the company.
What Majors Lead to Procurement?
Surprisingly, there’s no single academic path into procurement. Abdulmajeed notes that professionals often come from diverse backgrounds, including:
Supply Chain Management – Due to overlap in skills and high demand in the Saudi market.
Law and English – Given the contractual and legal components of procurement.
Engineering – Especially useful for procurement roles in capital projects.
Entry-Level Jobs in Procurement
Abdulmajeed outlines the typical career progression:
Year 1–2: Entry-level roles such as Associate Officer or Admin. Focus on transactional tasks like purchase orders, requisitions, and vendor registration.
Year 2–4: Move into a Procurement Specialist or Assistant Manager role. Begin strategic tasks like reviewing scopes of work and attending meetings.
Year 5–10: Grow into a Manager or Director, setting procurement strategy and leading teams.
“This career path is accelerated right now due to the shortage in the market for procurement professionals.” – Abdulmajeed Al Sheraim
Procurement vs. Sales: What’s the Difference?
While both fields require negotiation, critical thinking, and communication, procurement and sales differ fundamentally in focus. Procurement is inward-facing—serving the needs of the organization by sourcing externally. Sales, on the other hand, is outward-facing—convincing external clients to choose your offering.
Final Thoughts
Abdulmajeed’s journey reminds us that careers are rarely linear and often shaped by curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to learn. Procurement may not be the most well-known profession, but it is one that offers immense impact and growth potential.
“You don’t need to be a scientist or an engineer to work in procurement—but you do need to be curious, resourceful, and committed to quality.” – Abdulmajeed Al Sheraim
English 
العربية