CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Introducing Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply
CIPS qualifications are regulated internationally to ensure we offer a recognised, professional
standard in procurement and supply. CIPS Level 4* Diploma in Procurement and Supply is a
vocationally related professional qualification. Formal recognition is included within the regulatory
frameworks of an increasing number of countries such as the UK (England, Wales and Northern
Ireland), UAE (including Dubai) and Africa (including Zambia). Further information on this recognition
and the details of corresponding qualifications levels for other international qualifications frameworks
are detailed on our website. CIPS members can have the confidence in our regulated qualifications,
which reliably indicate the standard of knowledge, skills and understanding that you, as a learner,
are required to demonstrate.
Typical tasks
Identifying opportunities for demand/sales
Planning and forecasting of future demand
Negotiating margins, volumes and standards.
The creation of forward plans for contract development
Advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on procurement processes
Identification and control of risks
Creation and control of specifications
Construction of KPls and contract terms
Understanding supply markets in terms of competition and sources of competitive rivalry
Selection of appropriate procurement routes and sources of supply
Interpretation and analysis of financial technical and performance data
Negotiations with suppliers and stakeholders
Supplier selection and award
Contract administration and management
Financial control of budgets
Negotiating improvements to supply performance
Conflict and dispute resolution
Performance reviews
Knowledge and skills
Has practical, theoretical or technical knowledge and understanding of procurement and supply and
is able to address problems that are well defined but complex and non-routine. Can analyse,
interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas and has an informed awareness of differing
perspectives of approaches within the profession.
Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply (L4M1)
Module aim(s):
In any organisation, a significant proportion of costs are accounted for by the purchases of products
and/or services, hence organisations see procurement and supply as a key contributor to their value
added strategies.
Equally, any organisation will also be managing the supply of products and/ or services to their
customers, be they internal or those from other external organisations, consumers or the general
public. This module is designed using the CIPS Procurement Cycle as its basis. It will provide those
who are interested in developing an informed awareness of different perspectives or approaches
within the discipline, an overview of the key stages associated with procurement and supply, and will
serve as an introduction for those who are expected to address complex well-defined procurement
and supply problems that are non-routine in nature.
Defining Business Need (L4M2)
Module aim(s): The development of a business case and the ability to analyse markets are key if an
organisation is to successfully source activity from external suppliers. Similarly, the clear definition of
specifications for through life contracts is crucial to overall business achievement. This module is
designed for those who are expected to analyse, interpret and evaluate information on the different
types of markets utilised by procurement and supply. It explores a variety of elements that underpin
the development of business cases and specifications and considers the options that should be
explored when procurement and supply personnel are involved in defining requirements.
Commercial Contracting (L4M3)
Module aim(s): In any organisation, a significant element of the procurement and supply function is
based around the contracting process. If they are to be successful, contracts must be clearly
defined, be cognisant of legal requirements and contain key clauses and terms. This module is
designed for those working in the procurement and supply field, or those who have responsibility for
the development of legally binding contracts with suppliers.
Ethical and Responsible Sourcing (L4M4)
Module aim(s): In any organisation, a significant element of procurement and supply activity is based
around decisions to internally conduct activity or to source from an external supplier. Hence, the
selection of the correct external suppliers is a vital contributor to overall organisational success. This
module enables personnel with roles in procurement and supply to formulate selection criteria and
sourcing strategies to ensure that the organisation will make the correct choice of external suppliers.
It explains the main options for sourcing, and examines the key processes that can be applied to the
analysis of potential external suppliers and to ensure the development of ethically and socially
responsible sourcing agreements.
Supplier Relationships (L4M6)
Module aim(s): In any organisation, a significant element of the procurement and supply function is
based around decisions to source activity from external suppliers. Once agreements have been
established the relationship established with the supplier is paramount to overall success. At its
highest level outsourcing can take the form of a partnership or joint venture. This module is designed
for those who have responsibility for maintaining and managing relationships with stakeholders and
suppliers and for those who may be faced with establishing and developing formal partnerships
Whole Life Asset Management (L4M7)
Module aim(s):
Whole life costing takes into account the cost of a product or service over its lifetime, from concept
through to disposal including purchase, hire or lease, maintenance, operation, utilities, training and
disposal. It is important for those involved in procurement and supply to consider all elements when
making decisions and comparing the costs of buying, renting or leasing equipment. In most cases
the purchase costs are a small proportion of operating costs, although there are numerous reasons
why organisations elect to hold inventory. This module is designed for those who will have
responsibility for the whole life management of assets and enables learners to analyse the main
methods for inventory movement and control and to analyse the concept of whole life cost.
Procurement and Supply in Practice (L4M8)
Module aim(s):
Procurement is the business function that ensures identification, sourcing, access and management
of external resources that an organization needs or may need to successfully fulfill its strategic
objectives. It exists to explore supply market opportunities and to implement resourcing strategies
that deliver the best possible supply outcomes to the organisation, its stakeholders and customers.
In today’s volatile global trading environments, it is not enough
for procurement and supply professionals to simply know the theory behind their profession; they
must also be in a position to confidently and effectively apply that knowledge to the benefit of the
whole organisation, its stakeholders and customers. This module is designed to test the practical
application of procurement and supply concepts and ideas within the practical environments in which
professionals are expected to perform.
