FREE WHITEPAPER: Procurement Under Pressure: Insights & Strategy for UK Manufacturing

Procurement Under Pressure: Insights & Strategy for UK Manufacturing
Free Whitepaper: Procurement Under Pressure - Skills, Talent & Supply Chain Capability in the Midlands

Unlock vital insights into the manufacturing procurement skills gap in the UK Midlands and learn how procurement leaders must adapt to talent shortages, rising risk, and strategic transformation.

This whitepaper is essential reading for procurement directors, HR leaders, operations directors, and supply chain decision-makers who need to understand how capability constraints are affecting performance, innovation and competitiveness. 

Why This Whitepaper Matters

Across the UK manufacturing heartland - especially the East & West Midlands - procurement teams are facing a structural skills shortage that impacts:

• Strategic sourcing and commercial outcomes
• Supplier risk and operational resilience
• Digital adoption, analytics and systems value extraction
• Cost control and margin protection

Using labour market data, regional trends, and practical insight, this whitepaper shows why procurement capability is a strategic commercial lever, not just a resourcing issue. 
Download now to benchmark your organisation, refine workforce planning, and inform your 2026 procurement strategy.

What You’ll Learn

The Scale of the Skills Shortage

Discover how skills-shortage vacancies have surged in manufacturing procurement roles across the Midlands and why this trend is structural, not cyclical. 

Regional Labour Market Dynamics

Understand the unique context of the UK Midlands from advanced automotive and aerospace clusters to precision engineering hubs - and how local talent pipelines are failing to keep pace with modern procurement demands. 

Commercial Impact on Manufacturing Procurement

Learn how talent scarcity translates into slower sourcing cycles, weak digital adoption, increased supply risk, and weaker supplier negotiation power. 

Skill Gaps That Matter Most

Identify the top skills in highest demand - including digital systems, spend analytics, commercial negotiation, supplier risk mapping, and ESG integration - so you can prioritise training and recruitment. 

Leading Practice from High-Performing Organisations

See how successful UK manufacturers are in combating capability gaps with hybrid roles, targeted upskilling, internal career pathways and innovative sourcing strategies. 

Who This Is For

This whitepaper is designed for professionals based in the United Kingdom, particularly those operating in or with interests in the Midlands’ manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem. Ideal for:

• Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs)
• Procurement & Supply Chain Leaders
• HR & Talent Strategy Directors
• Operations & Commercial Directors
• Manufacturing Executive Teams

If your organisation is reviewing procurement talent, supplier risk strategy, or digital capability planning for 2026 and beyond, this resource will equip you with the facts, data and next-step actions.

About Huntress

Huntress has been a trusted procurement recruitment partner across the United Kingdom for over 25 years, connecting leading organisations with top procurement and supply chain talent. We understand that modern procurement goes well beyond transactional buying - it’s about value creation, risk management, strategic sourcing, and supplier innovation. Connect with us to strengthen your procurement function with the right talent and strategic insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK procurement skills gap?

The UK procurement skills gap refers to the growing shortage of qualified procurement and supply chain professionals, particularly in manufacturing regions such as the Midlands.

Why are Midlands manufacturers struggling to hire procurement talent?

Skills-shortage vacancies have risen sharply due to increased demand for digital capability, supplier risk expertise, ESG knowledge, and strategic sourcing experience.

How does procurement talent impact supply chain resilience?

Without strong procurement capability, organisations face slower sourcing cycles, weaker supplier negotiations, higher supply risk exposure, and reduced commercial agility.

Who should download this procurement whitepaper?

Procurement leaders, CPOs, HR directors, operations leaders and manufacturing executives responsible for workforce planning and supply chain performance.