Strengthening the procurement and supply chain function through strategic recruitment

Procurement is a crucial part of any business operation that involves acquiring goods and services. The primary goal of procurement is to obtain these goods and services at a competitive price while ensuring that the organisation gets the most value for its investment. 
Effective procurement is fundamental to the success of any organisation. It can lead to significant cost savings, improved quality of goods and services, and better supplier relationships. By optimising the procurement processes, businesses can ensure that they not only save money but also benefit from a reliable and trustworthy supplier base that can help them achieve their goals efficiently.
Due to the growing importance and influence of procurement and supply chain professionals across various industries, Huntress has developed a specialised procurement and supply chain team. This case study emphasises the value of utilising industry experts to ensure that your organisation not only recruits the best talent but also develops an efficient internal business function, resulting in improved processes and quicker.
 

Our Client
Our client is a well-established school trust that operates state-funded, non-selective schools in the East Midlands, London, and the Thames Valley, serving over 8,000 children across 16 schools. They aim to create successful schools where every child can thrive. As a multi-academy trust (MAT), they are responsible for the efficient use of public funds to provide quality education to their 11 primary and 5 secondary school students. In 2023, we introduced them to our specialist team, and during our discussions, they expressed their need for a Procurement and Contract Manager to oversee this important business function.

The Brief
Following the resignation of a long-standing employee, the client required urgent support in filling the Procurement and Contract Manager role after struggling to fill this role themselves. With budget constraints to contend with and the skills gap in the labour market, a strategic approach was required to source the top talent for this role.
The nature of replacing a trusted employee meant the chosen candidate would need to smoothly transition into the business, confidently taking the lead in overseeing and supervising the procurement strategy for the trust. Therefore, the client specified the need for an experienced candidate who would run procurement practices, be responsible for contract and supplier management, work with other business function projects, and have education-specific procurement understanding. These requirements, in combination with knowledge of the UK procurement regulations, would ensure complete compliance and optimisation of the Procurement function within the business, ultimately driving service levels and improved results.
In a labour market, where more than half of UK businesses have struggled with the skills gap, our team developed a flexible approach to attract candidates with highly sought-after procurement skills. Procurement and supply chain roles now require a broader skillset with soft skills such as good communication skills (51%), supplier relationship management skills (49%), and internal stakeholder management skills (43%) becoming increasingly important in the hiring market. Due to this, candidates with these skill sets are harder to secure, creating a need for a competitive job package to attract top talent.
 

The Solution
Based on our analysis of the local job market and taking into consideration the clients' preference for hiring a candidate near Lincoln, our consultants recommended a flexible approach to location and adopting a flexible working model. 
This would help attract a diverse pool of candidates while still adhering to a strict hiring budget.
This approach has become increasingly common as 27% of employers have widened their hiring location to counteract the skills gap. Additionally, 60% of candidates prioritise location and flexible working when considering a new job in 2023. By adopting a flexible working model, our consultants were able to headhunt candidates based on their skills and experience, which were crucial for this senior position.
 

The Results
Our consultants successfully recruited quality candidates for a role with an urgent hiring requirement. The hiring process included an initial Teams call and a round of carousel-style interviews to ensure that unsuitable candidates were screened out. Three out of four candidates presented were invited to an interview, and the client was able to successfully make an appointment within 2 weeks of contacting us. 
After completing thorough compliance checks and a successful onboarding process, the client now has an experienced Procurement lead who has effectively managed supplier contracts, procurement strategy, and cost-savings. Our team has formed a lasting working relationship with the client, ensuring that their procurement and supply chain hiring needs are met.
 

2 Weeks 
Procurement managers hired swiftly
75%
Shortlisted candidates progressed 
34%
Businesses now use agencies
 

As Procurement and Supply Chain functions continue to provide financial benefits and optimise business processes, the demand for recruitment support in these areas is increasing. In 2023, 34% of businesses increased their use of recruitment agencies to support their specific hiring needs. To fully utilise a smooth procurement process, you need the best people pushing this, meaning , a strategic approach to hiring is fundamental to secure the best talent due to this skills gap in the competitive market.