There’s never been a more exciting time to be in procurement and supply chain.

With technology transforming how we buy, build, and deliver, and sustainability rising rapidly up the agenda, the sector is evolving. But while the headlines often focus on disruption, we see a different story: a sector full of opportunity for forward-thinking professionals and organisations alike.

The question we’re hearing from clients more than ever?
“How do we attract the people who can help us get ahead?”

Talent isn’t just a challenge - it’s a strategic advantage

Yes, competition for skilled professionals is fierce, but that’s because the scope of procurement and supply chain roles has expanded. The modern function is more dynamic, more digital, and more business-critical than ever.

Today’s professionals are working on:

• Embedding sustainability into sourcing decisions
• Leveraging real-time data for smarter demand planning
• Building resilient, responsive supplier ecosystems

It’s no longer just about cost, it’s about value, visibility, and vision. That’s a story worth telling, and it’s one that attracts top talent.

What candidates are looking for

We speak to skilled professionals every day and here’s what they’re telling us:

• They want purpose: to work for organisations driving sustainability and positive change.
• They want progression: roles where they can develop and grow.
• They want modern tools: businesses using data, tech, and innovation to make smarter decisions.

If you’re offering these things, and positioning them well, you’re already ahead of the curve.

The rise of transferable talent

Here’s more good news: supply chain and procurement roles are attracting professionals from tech, data, finance, and project management backgrounds.

People with fresh perspectives are coming into the sector and thriving, especially in areas such as:

• Supplier risk and compliance
• Digital procurement and automation
• ESG and responsible sourcing

That broadening talent pool means new ideas, stronger teams, and long-term capability building.

Developing talent internally pays off too

Great talent isn’t always something you find, sometimes it’s something you nurture.

• We’re seeing more organisations invest in cross-functional training, internal mobility, and mentoring to build their future leaders.
• And it’s working: teams that focus on people development are seeing stronger retention, deeper engagement, and a culture of innovation.

Whether you’re scaling or stabilising, a blended approach to hiring and upskilling can future-proof your function.

Our advice? Start with the story

If you’re recruiting, here’s what makes a real difference in today’s market:

• Tell the bigger picture: what’s your mission, and how does this role contribute?
• Be clear on the growth journey: how can this person develop with you?
• Focus on skills, not just CVs: potential often outpaces pedigree.

And don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation. The right hire often starts with the right dialogue - and that’s where we come in.

The future of procurement and supply chain will be built by people, collaborative, curious, and change-ready professionals who want to make an impact.

We’re proud to work with the organisations that are creating space for those people to thrive and the individuals ready to shape what’s next.

Looking to attract talent or take the next step in your career? Get in touch with our specialist recruiter Will Terry at will.terry@procurement-people.com or call on 0121 450 5000 for a confidential discussion