In the world of procurement and supply chain, few things are scarier than making a bad hire. The wrong person in a key role can haunt your projects, disrupt supplier relationships, and drain resources faster than you can say “Boo!”

But fear not, with the right hiring strategy (and a little help from Procurement People), you can keep your team full of treats, not tricks.

The disappearing candidate trick

Ever had a brilliant candidate vanish just before signing the offer? Ghosting isn’t just a dating phenomenon, it’s alive and well in today’s procurement recruitment market.

Why it happens:

• Multiple offers in a competitive market
• Unclear communication or lengthy processes
• Counteroffers from current employers

How to stop it:
Move fast, stay transparent, and keep engagement high. Partnering with a specialist procurement recruiter ensures your candidates stay connected throughout the process and don’t disappear into the night.

The costume conundrum

Some candidates are masters of disguise. They look perfect on paper, interview confidently, and seem to tick every box, until you realise the fit isn’t quite right.

To avoid this trap:
Dig deeper into real-world examples and decision-making approaches. Ask questions about stakeholder challenges, negotiation trade-offs, and how they manage supplier performance under pressure. It’s not about trick questions, it’s about revealing how they really work when the mask comes off.

The zombie hire

Every team has met one: the hire who technically does the job, but brings no energy or initiative. They linger, doing just enough to stay, while productivity quietly fades.

Early warning signs:

• Lack of curiosity or ownership
• Minimal collaboration
• Resistance to change

To avoid zombie hires, focus on attitude and engagement just as much as technical skills. Procurement thrives on influence, problem-solving, and adaptability, qualities that don’t always show up in a job description.

Beware the talent drain

Good procurement professionals are in short supply, and demand for experienced talent keeps rising. Retaining great people can be just as hard as finding them.

What helps:

• Clear progression paths and recognition for achievements
• Opportunities to broaden skills (e.g., sustainability, data analytics, risk management)
• A culture that values collaboration over control

Even small investments in development and communication can help keep your best people from being tempted elsewhere.

Hiring in procurement doesn’t have to feel like a game of trick or treat. With clear processes, thoughtful assessment, and an eye for long-term fit, you can build a team that’s capable, motivated, and ready for whatever the market throws at it.

And if you’re exploring new opportunities or building your team this autumn, get in touch to see how we can shape your future.