The demand for highly skilled, specialist procurement and supply chain professionals is increasing, but the supply of top talent is failing to keep pace. For UK businesses, understanding where these shortages are, and how to fill them, is essential. Without action, procurement gaps could compromise everything from compliance to the ability to innovate and compete globally. Let’s explore where the shortages are and the best tactics to close them.
Where the skills shortages are and why
High vacancy rates: The CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide revealed that more than 58% of UK hiring managers report difficulty finding procurement talent.
Changing skills requirements: Employers now need to source and secure candidates with expertise in sustainability reporting, digital procurement platforms, data analytics and supplier risk management.
Shortage of digital specialists: Roles such as procurement data analysts, AI implementation managers and machine learning (ML) specialists are some of the trickiest to fill. These are the professionals who can interpret spend data, automate supplier monitoring and deliver the critical predictive insights. Without them, UK businesses risk falling behind global competitors who already deploy advanced digital procurement systems.
Experienced professionals retiring: As senior leaders retire, organisations face a shortage of mid-level professionals who are ready to step up. This creates a leadership bottleneck that cannot be resolved by entry-level hires alone.
Broader labour market pressures: Brexit, economic inactivity and a raft of other factors have made the UK one of the tighter labour markets in Europe. A 2025 survey by the Manpower Group reported that approximately 80% of employers experience challenges filling vacancies.
Regulatory changes: The Procurement Act 2023, which came into force in February 2025, has created additional training needs across both public and private sectors. Employers must ensure their procurement teams are equipped to comply. Find out more in our blog on the Procurement Act 2023.
How to address the skills gaps
So, what’s the best way forward? Here are some recommended strategies to ensure your procurement and supply chain team is prepared and resilient.
Focus on upskilling and training
Global brands like Unilever are already investing heavily in training programs focused on sustainability and digital procurement. Others are leveraging external learning platforms and professional certifications in areas like big data for procurement or digital category management to accelerate capability building. Even if specific teams aren’t expected to actively use these emerging technologies, it’s important to raise awareness throughout the business. This ensures buy-in and helps create an organisation-wide understanding of the challenges and opportunities they present.
Mentoring and interim roles
We talk a lot about the benefits of mentoring in our blog, and with good reason. Formal mentoring schemes help retain knowledge while preparing the next generation of talented leaders. At the same time, interim professionals with expertise in AI and risk management are in high demand, providing immediate skills while businesses build their own long-term capability.
Sometimes businesses require an interim solution to help get through a period of transformation. This is where contractors step in. Not sure how to find the right person or people? Read our blog on how to choose the right supply chain consultant.
Enhancing the employer value proposition
UK procurement and supply chain candidates, particularly younger ones, are clear about what they want: flexibility, progression and purpose. For those specialising in digital procurement or ESG, the chance to influence global sustainability or lead innovation projects can be even more compelling than salary. Companies that showcase these opportunities gain a significant competitive advantage.
Partnering with the best recruitment specialists
Generalist recruitment agencies often lack the networks needed to fill complex procurement roles. Specialist firms with expertise in procurement and supply chain recruitment can tap into niche talent pools, provide deep insight into market trends and help organisations find the right candidates, whether that’s a digital procurement lead, sustainability manager, data scientist or another specialism altogether.
Proactive workforce planning
Rather than reacting to immediate shortages, leading UK companies are mapping their future procurement needs right now. By identifying skill gaps in areas like AI, analytics and ESG reporting early, they can build targeted recruitment and development pipelines. As with the previous point, this is something that the best recruitment companies can help with.
Your next steps to closing the skills gap
Procurement is always going to be at the heart of UK business resilience and competitiveness. However, without addressing the shortage of digital, sustainability and leadership talent, organisations risk falling way behind. The most successful businesses will be those that secure the right specialists now, gaining a head start in building smarter, more resilient and future-focused supply chains.
At Bramwith, we support UK organisations in building world-class procurement and supply chain functions. With deep market insight and global networks, we connect businesses to the professionals they need, today and for the future.
Contact us today to find out how we can help close your procurement talent gaps and pave the way for long-term success.
