Switching to oil and gas procurement jobs? Here’s how to do it right

Making the transition into energy sector procurement requires more than just transferable skills – it calls for a solid understanding of industry-specific challenges and practices. This guide outlines six practical steps to help you.

Step 1: Assess your current skills

Many professionals are surprised to discover just how transferable their existing skills are to procurement roles in the oil and gas industry. Whether your background is in manufacturing, logistics, or technology, your expertise can provide a solid foundation–and make you a highly attractive candidate.

Start by identifying your current strengths and mapping them to the needs of the energy sector. Some of the most in-demand skills include:

• Negotiation and Supplier Management: Your experience in managing vendor relationships and navigating contractual terms is directly applicable. Procurement in oil and gas relies heavily on strategic supplier engagement and value-driven negotiations.
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Skills in financial planning, cost analysis, and identifying efficiencies are crucial. Reviewing vendor quotes and managing supplier costs are core functions that employers prioritize.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management: A strong grasp of inventory control, transportation logistics, and end-to-end supply chain coordination is essential. Ensuring timely delivery of goods and services is critical in this fast-paced industry.
• Contract Management and Compliance: Familiarity with complex contracts and adherence to regulatory standards are key. Procurement professionals must ensure that all agreements meet legal and operational requirements.

At Shell, we value professionals who bring deep expertise in supply chain optimization, cost management, and negotiation. As you explore procurement opportunities, recognize the strength of your ability to manage complex agreements and foster stronger supplier relationships—these are assets that can set you apart.

Step 2: Learn the oil and gas supply chain

To succeed in the oil and gas procurement, it's essential to understand the industry's supply chain, which is typically divided into three key segments:

• Upstream: This stage focuses on exploration and production. Procurement activities involve sourcing specialized equipment such as drilling rigs, geological survey services, and operational support for extraction sites.
• Midstream: Midstream operations handle the transportation and storage of raw materials. Procurement professionals in this segment manage contracts for pipeline construction, shipping logistics, and storage facility services.
• Downstream: This final stage covers refining, processing, and distribution. Procurement responsibilities include sourcing chemicals, overseeing refinery maintenance contracts, and coordinating logistics to deliver finished products to the market.

At each stage, skilled procurement professionals play a critical role—from strategic sourcing and contract negotiation to supplier performance management. At Shell, our global supply chain depends on individuals who can drive efficiency, ensure compliance, and manage complexity across all three segments.

Throughout these stages, several challenges can arise, including long lead times for specialized equipment, strict Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)

compliance, geopolitical risks affecting supply routes and vendor reliability, and price volatility. Your ability to navigate these challenges and apply your procurement expertise is a strong indicator of your readiness to thrive in this dynamic industry.

Step 3: Customize your resume for oil and gas procurement jobs

To stand out in the energy sector, your resume must do more than list responsibilities—it should translate your accomplishments into terms that resonate with hiring managers. Consider the following tips:

• Use industry-specific language: Incorporate terminology that reflects procurement priorities. Phrases like "vendor compliance," "cost reduction," "risk mitigation," "project execution," and "HSE standards" signal your familiarity with the field.
• Quantify your impact: Numbers speak louder than general statements. Instead of saying "Handled negotiations" say "Reduced procurement costs by 15% through strategic supplier negotiations". Metrics help hiring managers quickly grasp the value you bring.
• Highlight experience in complex environments: Emphasize your work in high-value, high-risk, or technically demanding settings. These experiences mirror the challenges faced in oil and gas procurement and demonstrate your readiness to manage them.
• Prioritize relevance and clarity: Focus on skills and achievements that align with procurement roles in the energy sector. Remove unrelated details and use a clean, easy-to-scan format that places your most relevant qualifications and measurable successes at the top.

Your resume should reflect not only your capabilities but also your understanding of how those capabilities apply within the oil and gas industry. Tailoring your language and structure accordingly can make a significant difference in how you're perceived by recruiters and hiring managers.

Step 4: Build your industry network

Thoughtful, strategic networking can be one of the most effective ways to break into procurement roles in the oil and gas industry. Beyond job postings, it opens doors to insider insights, hidden opportunities, and valuable industry knowledge.

LinkedIn is a powerful platform to begin building your network. Search for professionals with titles like Procurement Manager, Procurement Specialist, or Supply Chain Manager within the oil and gas industry. Engage with their content, comment thoughtfully, and initiate conversations to build genuine connections. Following up professionally with hiring managers after submitting an application can help you stand out—demonstrating initiative and interest beyond the resume.

Expand your reach by joining LinkedIn groups, online forums, and attending virtual webinars focused on procurement, supply chain, and energy. These spaces often host discussions, share job leads, and offer industry insights into industry trends.

Connecting with Shell professionals on platforms like LinkedIn can offer a deeper understanding of our company culture and the types of procurement careers we offer.

Step 5: Start applying for procurement jobs in the Philippines

Once you've aligned your skills and refined your resume, it's time to start applying for roles that match your experience level. Titles to look out for include Procurement Officer, Procurement Specialist, Contract Manager, and Procurement Engineer. To maximize your chances, follow these best practices:

• Tailor each application. Avoid sending a generic resume. Customize your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences highlighted in each job posting. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize relevant achievements.
• Use your network. If you've built connections in the industry, don't hesitate to reach out. Ask for insights about the role, company culture, or even advice on how to position yourself. A warm referral or informed tip can make a big difference.
• Company career pages often list the most current openings. Explore these sites regularly to find roles that may not appear on third-party job boards.

At Shell, we offer a transparent and structured recruitment process. You can explore current openings through our job search portal. For guidance on our hiring process, visit our contact and FAQs page or explore candidate resource centre—designed to help you prepare and succeed.

Explore oil and gas procurement job openings today

Transitioning into a procurement role in the oil and gas industry is not only achievable – it can be a highly rewarding career move. If you're coming from another industry, chances are you already possess many of the core competencies that are in high demand: negotiation, financial acumen, supply chain management, and operational efficiency.

Once you've familiarized yourself with the industry supply chain, tailored your resume, and built a strong professional network, you'll be well-positioned to make a successful shift into this dynamic field.

At Shell, we offer more than just a job—we offer the opportunity to apply your expertise to meaningful global challenges. You'll work alongside a diverse, high-performing team to help deliver the energy the world needs, while growing your skills in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Ready to Make the Switch? Find Procurement Opportunities Here!