Procurement is an essential function within any organisation that spends money with suppliers as it is responsible for securing the right goods and services at the best value. However, what often gets overlooked is the critical role that recruitment plays in ensuring a strong procurement function. Without the right people in place, even the most well structured procurement strategy can fall short.
The link between procurement and recruitment
A high performing procurement team is only as strong as the professionals who drive it. Procurement is no longer just about cost cutting: it’s a strategic function that requires skilled leadership, innovative thinking, and the ability to build strong supplier relationships. Finding and hiring top procurement talent is crucial to ensuring business success, making recruitment an essential component of procurement strategy.
Recruiting for procurement roles – especially senior or executive positions such as Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) – requires a deep understanding of both procurement and talent acquisition. The right candidate must not only possess technical expertise and the necessary soft skills but also align with the company’s culture and strategic objectives.
We’ve talked in the past about how finding and retaining skilled procurement professionals remains a challenge as the demand for expertise grows. As anyone within the procurement sector knows, this is nothing new: talent acquisition has long been a challenge within the procurement sector. Luckily, there are now procurement consultancies who can help organisations with talent management. Let’s explore further…
How procurement consultants can help with talent management
Procurement consultancies such as Accelerate understand that hiring at an executive level can be a complex and time consuming process. The role of a CPO, for example, is a strategic one, with a significant impact on an organisation’s overall performance. Ensuring continuity while searching for the perfect candidate is essential, and that’s where talent management services come in.
Accelerate provides comprehensive support to ensure that your procurement function continues to operate smoothly while you secure the right leadership for the future, with services which include:
- Providing resource for the interim role: Ensuring there is no disruption to your procurement function & your operations while searching for a permanent CPO.
- Recruiting for a permanent CPO: Identifying and securing top talent with the right expertise and leadership skills.
Facilitating a seamless handover: Ensuring knowledge transfer and business continuity when transitioning between interim and permanent hires.
The importance of a strategic approach to procurement recruitment
The success of any procurement function hinges on having the right people in place. Recruitment should be seen as a strategic investment, not just a necessity. Businesses that take a proactive approach to talent management ensure they have a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive procurement forward.
By integrating procurement and recruitment strategies, organisations can create a resilient, high-performing function that adapts to challenges and maximises value. With Accelerate’s expertise in both procurement and talent management, we can help you build the team that will secure your business’s future success.
If you’re looking to strengthen your procurement leadership, get in touch with Accelerate today to find out how we can support your talent management needs.