Attracting and retaining top talent is a challenge across many industries, but procurement faces a unique set of difficulties. Often misunderstood as a purely administrative function, procurement is actually a dynamic and strategic discipline that plays a critical role in business success. However, outdated perceptions, a shortage of skilled professionals, and increasing competition from other sectors mean that procurement teams are currently working harder than ever to attract new talent.
Why is procurement facing a talent shortage?
First off, let’s take a closer look at why the procurement industry is facing a talent shortage.
Lack of awareness could well be playing a part. Many job seekers, especially graduates and young professionals, simply don’t know what procurement is or the impact it has on an organisation’s success. We may also be battling with perception issues: procurement is sometimes seen as a back office function rather than a value-driving, strategic department.
It’s also clear that there is a skills gap: the procurement industry requires professionals with a blend of analytical, negotiation, and relationship management skills, which can be difficult to find in one candidate. We’re also facing competition from other sectors. Procurement competes with finance, consulting, and technology roles, all vying for top talent.
How can procurement attract new talent?
1. Raise awareness of procurement as a career path
To attract new professionals, procurement must be presented as an exciting and rewarding career. Businesses can work with universities and colleges to introduce procurement modules in business courses, offer internships, and highlight success stories within the sector. Showcasing procurement’s role in innovation, cost management, and sustainability can also help redefine its image.
2. Modernise job roles and career progression
Procurement must evolve beyond traditional job descriptions. Today’s professionals seek dynamic roles with opportunities for learning, innovation, and career advancement. Companies should clearly define career pathways, offer mentorship, and provide ongoing professional development to ensure procurement roles remain attractive.
3. Leverage technology and innovation
The rise of digital procurement, AI-driven analytics, and automation has transformed the industry. Promoting the use of cutting edge technology in procurement can help attract younger talent with a keen interest in digital tools and data driven decision making.
4. Improve employer branding
To compete with other industries, procurement departments should work on their employer brand. This means creating an engaging workplace culture, offering competitive salaries, and highlighting the impact procurement professionals have on business strategy. Showcasing success stories and testimonials from employees can be a powerful tool in recruitment efforts.
5. Focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility
Today’s job seekers are increasingly drawn to roles that allow them to make a positive impact. Procurement plays a crucial role in corporate sustainability, ethical sourcing, and supplier diversity. Highlighting these aspects can make procurement careers more appealing to purpose-driven professionals.
How can companies retain procurement talent?
Attracting talent is only part of the equation – retaining skilled professionals is just as important. Offering flexible working arrangements, fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and ensuring that procurement professionals feel valued and empowered in their roles will help businesses retain top talent in the long run.
Final thoughts…
Procurement is a rapidly evolving field with immense potential for career growth, but to attract new talent, businesses must take proactive steps to reshape industry perceptions. By modernising job roles, embracing technology, and improving employer branding, procurement can position itself as a highly desirable and rewarding career path for the next generation of professionals.
Consider building your own capabilities with apprenticeships and work experience packages to open the door to new talent at the very start of their career journeys. Any programme must provide an enriching experience, which requires time to develop, but it can be time well spent to showcase procurement and supply chain to a wider talent pool. Check back for a follow up article where we will discuss this in more detail – coming soon.