HR teams are under growing pressure to deliver value while controlling spend, especially in today’s rapidly evolving world of hybrid work, digital transformation, and talent shortages. From recruitment tech to employee benefits, HR functions are rich with procurement opportunities. Yet, HR spend can be overlooked when it comes to strategic sourcing.
At Accelerate, we believe procurement and HR can work hand-in-hand to reduce costs, streamline operations, and unlock better outcomes. Here’s how…
Rethink supplier relationships
HR departments often rely on a network of third-party providers, from recruitment agencies to training firms and payroll platforms. But how often are these relationships reviewed strategically?
By consolidating suppliers, renegotiating contract terms, or switching to providers that better align with business needs, companies can reduce fragmentation and drive more value. Procurement can also help establish clear KPIs and performance metrics to hold partners accountable, such as recruitment efficiency, agency dependency and learning value.
Procurement review for smarter spend
HR tech platforms, SaaS subscriptions, and training services often come with hidden costs: duplicate licences, underused platforms, or auto-renewals that fly under the radar. A detailed procurement review can help identify waste and align spend with usage and outcomes.
Bringing procurement into the fold enables HR teams to make data-led decisions around spend categories and optimise investment in people-related services.
Unlock volume-based savings
Many HR services benefit from economies of scale, but only if procurement is engaged early. For example, consolidating learning and development suppliers across departments can unlock better rates and more consistent delivery. Likewise, grouping employee benefit schemes or wellbeing services into a single framework can reduce per-head costs and improve uptake for efficiency gains and improved employee satisfaction.
Procurement as a strategic partner
The days of HR and procurement working in silos are over. Working in partnership to a common plan is how effective organisations are working to drive value, reduce risk, and support better people focussed outcomes.
Whether you’re reviewing HR tech contracts, rethinking agency partnerships, or assessing cross company spend on benefits, bringing in procurement expertise ensures decisions are rounded, robust, market-informed, and aligned to long term goals.
How Accelerate Procurement can help
At Accelerate, our experienced procurement consultants work closely with HR and procurement leaders to unlock efficiencies across the people function. From category management and supplier consolidation to contract optimisation and digital sourcing, we help build a more strategic and cost-effective HR function.
Looking to drive value from your HR spend? Let’s talk.