Five key strategic procurement skills for leaders

Find out which five key skills can make a strategic procurement leader stand out from the crowd.

It is an exciting time to be working in the procurement profession as its importance goes from strength to strength. In the industry, we’re seeing an increasing number of organisations making the move from a tactical to a strategic approach to procurement.

There’s also a strong desire from procurement professionals to move into more senior roles. But what skills do employers look for when filling their strategic leadership positions?

In this blog, we’ll explore the results of the CIPS/Hays Procurement Salary Guide and Insights 2022 survey and see: 

• How many procurement professionals are looking to advance to senior positions
• The skills required for procurement professionals on a day-to-day basis
• The five key skills for procurement leaders as rated by employers.

Strategic procurement at a glance

It is not surprising that ambitious employees are looking to their next career move. The CIPS/Hays Procurement Salary Guide and Insights 2022 shows that 64% of professionals are motivated by moving up the career ladder into a more senior position. 

However, with competition for talent fierce, and the function undergoing rapid evolution, organisations need to ensure their most senior procurement staff are up to the challenge.

So, what do hiring managers look for? Here are the five essential strategic procurement skills that employers look for in a great strategic leader.

1. Communication: Maintain clear, open communication

49% of employers surveyed for the CIPS/Hays Procurement Salary Guide and Insights 2022 said that communication and soft skills were their top-rated requirement from a procurement professional. 

This may seem surprising, but it’s necessary for the smooth operation of a procurement function. A strategic leader must be able to communicate their processes and objectives to key stakeholders and the wider team as a whole to ensure success.

2. Influencing: Guide others without alienating them

Influencing skills are a must for any advanced professional with managerial responsibilities. The ability to persuade and encourage others, as well as influence other stakeholders and members of staff, is vital for a strategic leader. 

It also helps the entire procurement function work towards the same goals.

3. Relationship management: Lead by example

This is an important skill for all procurement professionals – but particularly so at more senior levels. Advanced professionals should lead by example and demonstrate how to keep key suppliers happy over an extended relationship. 

Overall, this will help achieve the best possible prices and added value for their organisation.

4. Change management: Prepare to be flexible

Strategic sourcing, change and transformation projects are taking place across all sectors. As a result, change management skills are high in demand for senior staff. 

The proper application of teams and resources can mean the difference between success and failure. So it’s essential to gain change management skills.

5. Negotiation: Find ways to achieve the best solution for you

Linked to influencing skills is negotiation. Being able to discover and articulate the best solution to a challenge is a crucial skill to have as a senior leader. 

A great negotiation is one where all parties are satisfied with the outcome. Sharp negotiation skills are essential to developing long-running relationships with key suppliers. They also help when communicating with senior business stakeholders.

What you need to remember about strategic procurement leader skills

These are some of the top skills you need to be a successful leader. As we’ve seen, they are also key signposts when employers recruit a talented procurement professional into a senior role. 

These are also skills you should develop as a professional to not only progress your career, but also ensure a smooth and efficient procurement function that delivers value.

For more insights into skills in demand, and information on salaries in your area, request your copy of the CIPS/Hays Procurement Salary Guide and Insights 2022. You can also visit your nearest office to find your local Hays consultant.