At Procurement People, we’ve spent the last year gathering data from over 500 professionals across the UK, US, and Canada to understand how the procurement and supply chain profession is evolving, especially when it comes to pay, recognition, and the expectations of today’s workforce.

Our 2025 Remuneration Report highlights some striking patterns. Behind the salary data is a clear message: professionals are demanding more - more flexibility, more meaningful recognition, and more alignment between the value they deliver and how they’re rewarded.

Here are some of the key takeaways we think both employers and candidates should reflect on.

Over half of professionals feel underpaid

One of the clearest signals in the report: 55% of procurement and supply chain professionals believe they’re unfairly remunerated in their current roles. And it’s not just about base salary, over 91% told us they receive no form of long-term incentive. That includes profit-sharing, equity, or even cash-based retention bonuses.

At a time when procurement’s role is more strategic than ever, managing risk, delivering cost savings, supporting ESG targets, this lack of recognition poses a serious retention risk for employers.

Inflation expectations are reshaping pay benchmarks

With economic pressures persisting, it’s no surprise that 73% of professionals expect their salary to rise in line with inflation, even without a promotion. For many, this is now seen as a minimum requirement for feeling valued in a role.

Organisations that want to hold onto talent will need to consider how to manage salary progression more transparently and consistently, particularly at mid-level and senior levels where replacing leavers comes with significant cost and disruption.

Hybrid work is now a priority, not a perk

When asked about the most valued workplace benefits, 64% of respondents ranked hybrid working as a top priority, well ahead of traditional perks like extra annual leave (just 9%).

The demand for flexibility, particularly among mid-career professionals with specialist expertise, is reshaping job design. Employers who continue to mandate rigid office attendance risk missing out on high-quality candidates looking for balance and autonomy.

What employers are looking for in 2025

From our daily conversations with hiring managers, it’s clear that the bar is rising across the board. Today’s procurement roles go far beyond cost control:

• Digital fluency is now a must-have. Whether it's analytics, automation, or ERP optimisation, tech-savvy professionals are in demand.
• Sustainability knowledge is gaining traction, especially in global sourcing roles where ESG targets need to be met.
• Soft skills matter more than ever. The ability to influence, collaborate cross-functionally, and navigate supply uncertainty is just as critical as technical knowledge.

We’re also seeing an increase in project-based hiring, with businesses turning to interim specialists for strategic sourcing projects, systems transformation, and supply risk audits. Agile hiring models are here to stay.

Spotlight on DEI and representation

Encouragingly, our data shows a near 50/50 gender split across survey respondents. But there’s still work to do in terms of ethnic diversity and disability inclusion, especially at senior levels.

We’re actively working with clients to broaden representation in shortlists and ensure that DEI is embedded not just in hiring, but across wider people strategies, something we believe is essential for future-ready procurement functions.

Final thoughts: It’s time to realign

2025 marks a turning point. Procurement is no longer a support function, it’s a critical engine for resilience, cost optimisation, and sustainability.

For employers, now is the time to reassess how you’re rewarding your teams, not just financially, but in terms of flexibility, development, and visibility.

For professionals, it’s an opportunity to evaluate whether your current role reflects your impact and ambition and to consider how your skills align with where the profession is heading.

At Procurement People, we’re here to help both candidates and clients navigate this evolving landscape. Whether you're exploring new opportunities or building a future-ready team, our specialist consultants are always happy to share insights and support.

Interested in benchmarking your salary or hiring plans for 2025?
Download the full Remuneration Report or reach out to our team for a tailored conversation.

E: will.terry@procurement-people.com
P: UK: 0121 450 5000 | US: +1 (512) 410 5231