2025 trends shaping the procurement profession

Procurement and supply professionals are no longer behind-the-scenes operators. Amid economic turbulence and geopolitical uncertainty, they’ve stepped into the spotlight as strategic navigators. That makes it all the more vital for employers to keep pace with the latest market shifts and rethink how they attract, engage and retain top talent.

The CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide 2025, created in partnership with Hays and based on insights from over 5,700 professionals globally, including almost 2,800 working in the UK, offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape. From salaries outpacing inflation to the rising power of MCIPS and persistent talent gaps, read on to find out some of the key trends shaping the procurement profession in 2025.

Salaries are outpacing inflation

Salaries have continued to rise across the profession over the past 12 months, with an average increase of 5.75% in the UK. That’s over double the rate of inflation (2.5%) last year. The average UK salary in procurement and supply roles now stands at £54,576, according to the research. What’s more, almost three-quarters (72%) of those surveyed reported receiving a salary uplift over the past year. To find out the average salary for your role, or to benchmark your teams’ salaries, take a look at the CIPS Salary Calculator.

With compensation still climbing, competitive pay continues to be important for attracting and retaining top talent. But salary alone isn’t enough – bonus schemes tied to individual and team performance, along with transparent career pathways, are becoming essential for holding on to employees and standing out in a competitive market.

Procurement's rising strategic influence

Perceptions of procurement are shifting for the better, with almost two-thirds (65%) of professionals saying it's valued within their organisations and 64% believing that perception has improved over the last year. Engagement at the earliest stages of projects has also increased, with 61% reporting that procurement is involved from the start – up from 57% last year.

This growing influence offers new opportunities for professionals. Roles with strategic impact can accelerate career growth, and organisations that reinforce this influence through visible leadership and alignment with company values are better positioned to keep talent engaged and inspired.

The power of MCIPS

MCIPS continues to stand out as a career-defining credential. Professionals who hold the designation earn an average of £68,596, which is £23,334 more than those without. They are also more likely to receive bonuses (60% vs 47%). For individuals, investing in MCIPS can be transformative. As well as increased earnings, it can also open doors to more influential roles.

For employers who are looking to attract driven professionals, they should encourage MCIPS through learning and development initiatives. Supporting these qualifications demonstrates a commitment to growth and can strengthen an organisation’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP).

Competition for talent remains fierce

Over half (58%) of UK hiring managers struggled to find the right procurement talent in the past year. Driven by a number of factors – including skill shortages, competition from other sectors and evolving expectations – the talent gap remains a key concern. To overcome this challenge, organisations should focus on fostering inclusive and purpose-driven work environments. Flexibility, meaningful benefits and development pathways all contribute to a compelling EVP. Interim professionals can also offer a solution, bringing agility and specialist expertise to plug gaps.

Procurement professionals, meanwhile, should actively shape their own development journeys. Highlighting achievements that drive business value and seeking out organisations that align with their personal goals and values can turn a job into a fulfilling long-term career.

Key takeaways

In a skill-short market, the employers who stand out from the crowd will be those who offer more than just a competitive salary. Clear career pathways, inclusive cultures, flexible work, visible leadership and an overall attractive EVP matter more than ever before.

For professionals, success will hinge on strategic roles, MCIPS credentials, and alignment with a company’s mission and values. The profession is evolving rapidly, and those ready to embrace this transformation will be tomorrow’s leaders.

For more insights into key trends shaping the procurement and supply chain profession, get your copy of the CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide 2025.