Building the future of Procurement: Greenfield teams, talent gaps, and what comes next
We asked Chris Castle, Director – Procurement & Supply Chain, at Investigo, to share his views on the current state of the procurement hiring market. With years of experience helping organisations find top procurement talent, Chris offers valuable insight into what’s happening in the market right now, and how businesses can adapt to stay ahead. Whether you're building a greenfield function or navigating the challenges of a talent-scarce environment, his guidance is designed to help you move forward with confidence.
Hiring in Procurement is tough right now – here's why…
Let’s be honest, hiring in procurement is harder than ever. Here's what we're seeing on the ground:
The best talent isn’t actively looking - they’re already delivering value elsewhere and being well looked after.
Demand for strategic, commercially minded procurement professionals is growing rapidly.
Internal talent acquisition teams are often stretched thin, making it difficult to stay proactive.
When a great candidate does become available, they’re snapped up within days.
Every week, I speak to procurement leaders who are under pressure to deliver cost savings, advance ESG agendas, digitise their operations, and add strategic value, but all too often, they're missing the key ingredient: the right people.
That’s where we come in. At Investigo, we help solve hiring problems. Whether you need a high-impact interim to bridge a gap, a senior leader to drive change, or just some advice on how the market is shifting. We’re here to support you.
Greenfield Procurement: An exciting opportunity, a unique challenge
One of the biggest trends we've seen recently is a rise in greenfield procurement roles. More companies are recognising procurement as a strategic lever right from day one, and that’s exciting.
But building a high-performing team from scratch isn’t easy. So, here’s my advice for companies starting with a clean slate:
Prioritise culture fit early – Without legacy systems or embedded ways of working, the team’s mindset and values become your structure. Start strong.
Don’t chase logos – Big brand experience isn’t everything. Look for agile thinkers, great communicators, and those who thrive in ambiguity. You need people with a builder’s mentality.
Layer in capability – Start with a versatile core team and build out specialisms as the function evolves. It's not about ticking boxes; it's about building long-term resilience.
Invest in leadership – Those first few hires will set the tone, shape the processes, and become the voice of your procurement function. Get them right.
We’ve helped multiple clients build greenfield teams from scratch, and we know what works (and what doesn’t). If you're thinking about starting fresh, let’s talk.
Looking ahead: Procurement in 2025
Procurement is changing fast. It's no longer just about cost control or supplier management; it’s about enabling real transformation.
As we move into 2025, here are the key trends I believe will shape the future of procurement:
Sustainability & ESG – With increased regulation and rising consumer expectations, ethical sourcing and ESG compliance will become business-critical.
Technology Integration – AI, blockchain, and data analytics will drive transparency, reduce risk, and support smarter, faster decision-making.
Supply Chain Resilience – Companies will need to build stronger, more agile supplier networks that can withstand disruption and adapt quickly.
In short: procurement is stepping into a bigger, more strategic role, and it’s an exciting time to be part of it.
Need support? Let’s chat.
Whether you’re facing a hiring challenge, building a greenfield team, or just looking to better understand the market, we’d love to help. Feel free to reach out to me directly or connect with the Investigo team.
Let’s shape the future of procurement - together.
— Chris Castle, Director – Procurement & Supply Chain at Investigo
