The Price That Procurement Pays For Evolution

The Price That Procurement Pays for Evolution

The role of Procurement has never been more important…or more complex.

It’s no longer the cost-cutting, box-ticking function of the past. It’s strategic. It’s sustainable. In many organisations, it’s finally got a seat at the table (and probably helped negotiate the price of the chairs). But as the profession evolves at speed, there’s a toll.

Progress comes with growing pains and those pains are very real. Many Procurement teams are feeling stretched, fatigued, and even a little unsure of who they are and who they’re becoming.

So, what’s the price Procurement is paying for its evolution? And how can the profession evolve without losing its way?

The Growing Pains

An Identity Crisis

As Procurement absorbs new responsibilities, continues to spin multiple plates and is under pressure to do more with less, it’s not always clear what the function is anymore. Is the function just a cost guardian? A value creator? Climate crusader? The point is: Procurement’s evolution is happening at a faster pace than its identity. Couple that with the fact that Procurement looks and feels different in every organisation; it’s not always easy to look at and learn from what your peers are doing when they’re operating in a different organisational context.

Capability Whiplash

New tech. New tools. New expectations. Procurement professionals are constantly being told to upskill, adapt, and "lean into digital transformation" — but often without the space, support, or clarity to do it well. The result? People are running on fumes, trying to be something they haven’t had time to grow into yet with finite resources. An ongoing battle.

Change Fatigue Meets Leadership Gaps

There’s only so much “transformation” people can take before they start tuning out. Many Procurement teams are feeling overwhelmed and under-led. There’s a growing need for leadership that doesn’t just manage change but truly guides people through it with empathy and intention. There’s no blame or judgement on Procurement leaders here – they’re fighting the battle of knocking down the door of the Exec, navigating uncharted territory for their team within the organisation. Change fatigue all round!

The Way Forward (Without Needing a Time Machine)

So, what can Procurement do to evolve with less pain and more purpose? Here are three areas of focus that can help you – no matter the size of your Procurement team - grounded in goals, values, and good leadership.

Rebuild the Narrative — from the Inside Out

Before sprinting into the future, pause and ask: What does our Procurement team stand for? What do we value? What are we aiming for? It’s imperative to get clear on your vision as a Procurement team – even when others (particularly your stakeholders and the Exec) can’t see it yet.  Finding collective purpose in what you are doing creates a sense of identity that can anchor your Procurement team through change. And when that identity is co-created, not just handed down from above, it builds trust and commitment from the inside out. Your impact as a Procurement team will always increase when you work on your collective vision and identity together. Perceptions of Procurement will always be an inside job to start with, in my view.

Focus on Capability, Not Just Capacity

Instead of asking teams to do more with less (again), shift the conversation to: What skills will unlock the most value for our future?
Map those to your team’s strengths, fill the gaps thoughtfully, and create space for deep development — not just surface-level learning. Aligning this goal with your collective values as a Procurement team gives it even more staying power.

Adopting a Change Skillset

Here’s the truth: as Procurement evolves, it needs to adopt a change skillset. The top-down, task-focused style doesn’t suit a function that is constantly in a state of evolution. What Procurement teams really need?

Coaching skills.

Coaching brings curiosity, clarity, creativity and connection. It helps people align their work with bigger goals, navigate change with more confidence, and feel seen — not just as doers, but as thinkers and drivers of value.

It also reinforces a values-led culture. When a Procurement team adopts a coaching culture, they’re nurturing the mindset and behaviours that make transformation sustainable, rather than just pushing processes. And you’re also likely to hold on to your Procurement talent too.

The beauty of a coaching skillset is that it nurtures the very same skills for stakeholder engagement such as active listening, empathy, communication, influencing and conflict resolution. These soft skills – essentially human skills – are imperative for Procurement’s future in an era of AI.

Final Thought: Growth Doesn’t Have to Always Hurt

Procurement is evolving and with this growth comes discomfort. But discomfort is a sign that something important is shifting and not necessarily a warning that something’s wrong.

When we take time to define who we are, what we value, and how we grow, we turn that discomfort into direction. We evolve with intention — and that’s what purpose is all about.

How Coaching For Procurement Ltd can help

Coaching For Procurement Ltd offers a full suite of coaching solutions designed to empower and support Procurement leaders and their teams; from coaching qualifications using the unique P.R.O.C.U.R.E® coaching methodology and frameworks, through to Procurement team coaching and 1:1 coaching.

Want to unlock the full potential of your Procurement team? Let’s discuss how coaching can drive impact in your organisation—contact me today.