Procurement skills in demand

What key skills within procurement are in demand? And how is the market performing? We look at current trends in the procurement market.  

Demand is highest for permanent staff, but opportunities are still available for contractors.

In addition, there are more project based roles in procurement as particular business units undertake reviews of spend and efficiencies, especially among  large corporates.

The improving economy has also caused many employers to promote many staff, leaving gaps in their teams. Many employers see interim staff as an ideal way of filling the void while a permanent successor is found.

In particular, larger businesses with multimillion pound budgets are increasingly implementing large-scale transformation projects as they look to reduce costs. Interim procurement professionals with experience working in a business going through periods of transition and change are in high demand.

Category managers in demand

If you’re a proven category management specialist, the good news is that there are some excellent opportunities available in this area. Businesses are seeking professionals who are able to build improved relationships with suppliers and ultimately further drive down costs.

In particular, many businesses are looking to recruit specialists at a management level with a global or regional remit. Hiring organisations are looking for individuals with strong supplier relationships in their sector that are comfortable with responsibility for a regional remit.

Competition for best talent leading to increased salaries 

The top ten per cent of procurement professionals are highly-sought after. The main reason for this is that businesses want to hire people with a strategic outlook who can make a significant impact on their bottom line.  The top ten per cent of procurement professionals are highly-sought after. The main reason for this is that businesses want to hire people with a strategic outlook who can make a significant impact on their bottom line.  

This competition is pushing up salaries in some instances. For example Heads of Procurement are commanding salaries of up to £160k (£150k last year), Category Managers have seen an increase of 10-15% in terms of salary.

Analysts play a vital role in the success of any procurement strategy. This is reflected in the increase in the salaries of these professionals as well, rising 10-15k. - James Franklin.