In many organisations, procurement isn’t a dedicated role to begin with. Purchasing often sits with finance, operations, administration or even business owners themselves. Orders get placed, suppliers are managed and contracts are renewed as part of someone’s wider responsibilities.
For a while, that works.
But as organisations grow, purchasing becomes more complex. More suppliers, larger contracts, tighter budgets and increasing commercial risk all mean procurement starts to play a much bigger role in business performance.
Over the years, we’ve worked with organisations of every size, from SMEs creating their first procurement role to larger employers developing experienced procurement teams through CIPS qualifications and apprenticeships. One thing they all have in common is that there comes a point where procurement stops being something people fit around another job and becomes a business function in its own right.
The question isn’t whether procurement is important. It’s whether your business has the skills and knowledge to manage it effectively. Do you need a procurement professional?
Procurement isn’t just about buying
One of the biggest misconceptions about procurement is that it’s simply purchasing products at the lowest price.
In reality, procurement is about making informed commercial decisions that support the wider goals of the organisation. Good procurement helps businesses spend wisely, manage supplier relationships, reduce risk and create long-term value.
A procurement professional helps organisations:
- Find the right suppliers.
- Negotiate better contracts.
- Build strong supplier relationships.
- Reduce costs without compromising quality.
- Manage commercial and supply chain risk.
- Improve sustainability and ethical sourcing.
- Ensure compliance with procurement legislation and internal policies.
Whether you’re appointing your first procurement professional or developing someone already within your business, investing in procurement capability helps create stronger commercial decision-making across the organisation.
Why procurement has become more important
Procurement has changed significantly over the last decade.
Rising costs, supply chain disruption, changing legislation and increasing expectations around sustainability have all moved procurement much higher up the business agenda. It’s no longer simply about controlling spend. It’s about protecting the organisation, managing risk and creating resilience.
Research from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) highlights this shift. More than half of procurement leaders say procurement now has greater influence over organisational spending than it did previously, while one in three procurement leaders reports directly to their CEO or Managing Director. Procurement is increasingly recognised as a strategic function that contributes to business performance, not simply an operational one.
We’re seeing exactly the same trend at Aspire.
More employers are investing in procurement training because they want to strengthen commercial capability within their existing teams. Some are introducing procurement roles for the first time. Others are developing experienced buyers into future procurement managers through CIPS qualifications. Whatever the starting point, businesses are recognising that investing in procurement skills delivers long-term value.
Five signs your business needs a procurement professional
Not every organisation needs a dedicated procurement department. However, there are clear signs that investing in procurement capability could benefit your business.
1. Purchasing has become someone’s “other job”
If buying goods and services has become an additional responsibility alongside someone’s main role, it may be time to review your approach.
Without dedicated knowledge, purchasing decisions can become inconsistent, supplier relationships may suffer and opportunities to reduce costs can be missed.
2. You’re managing more suppliers than ever before
As organisations grow, supplier management becomes increasingly complex.
Managing supplier performance, negotiating contracts and monitoring commercial risk all require time and specialist knowledge.
3. Your spending is increasing
The more your organisation spends, the greater the impact procurement decisions have.
Even relatively small improvements in supplier negotiations or contract management can deliver significant savings over time.
4. You’re operating in a regulated sector
Public sector organisations and regulated industries often have additional procurement requirements.
Having employees with recognised procurement knowledge helps improve compliance while supporting better commercial outcomes.
5. You’re planning for growth
Growth brings new suppliers, larger contracts and increased commercial responsibility.
Developing procurement capability early helps businesses build strong foundations rather than reacting once challenges appear.
Recruitment can also be challenging. According to the latest CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide, almost six in ten employers report difficulties recruiting procurement professionals. That’s one reason many organisations choose to develop existing employees rather than relying solely on external recruitment.
Do you need to recruit someone?
Not necessarily.
Many businesses assume improving procurement means recruiting an experienced Procurement Manager.
In reality, developing someone already within your organisation is often the more practical and cost-effective option.
Employees already understand your business, your suppliers and your commercial objectives. Giving them the opportunity to gain recognised procurement qualifications allows them to build professional knowledge while applying what they learn immediately in the workplace.
At Aspire, we’ve supported finance teams, operations managers, buyers, administrators and commercial colleagues as they’ve developed into procurement professionals. Their existing business knowledge, combined with recognised CIPS qualifications, gives them the confidence to take on greater commercial responsibility.
For employers, this approach also creates a clear pathway for career progression, helping retain talented employees while building capability from within.
Why professional qualifications matter
Experience is invaluable, but recognised professional qualifications help turn practical experience into professional expertise.
CIPS qualifications are recognised globally as the professional standard for procurement and supply. They develop knowledge in areas including:
- Commercial awareness.
- Negotiation.
- Contract management.
- Category management.
- Supplier relationship management.
- Procurement legislation.
- Strategic sourcing.
- Ethical and sustainable procurement.
At Aspire, we deliver flexible CIPS qualifications from Levels 2 to 6 for both individuals and employers.
Some learners study independently to support their own career progression. Others are sponsored by their employer as part of a wider workforce development plan. We also support organisations through procurement apprenticeships where workplace learning is the most appropriate route.
Rather than simply delivering qualifications, we work with employers to understand their objectives and recommend the right development pathway for both the individual and the business.
Investing in people delivers long-term results
Professional development doesn’t just benefit the individual. It strengthens the entire organisation.
Matt Ruddy continued developing his expertise through a Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner and CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply.
Looking back on his journey, Matt says:
“The apprenticeship has given me a much stronger understanding of the theory behind the responsibilities I handle day to day. That’s helped me make more informed decisions and approach tasks with greater clarity. It’s also boosted my confidence when speaking with colleagues, suppliers and customers. Personally, I believe apprenticeships are a great way to combine theory-based learning with real, on-the-job experience. CIPS can open up a wide range of opportunities and can be the starting point for a successful career in procurement and supply.”
Matt’s story reflects what we regularly see at Aspire. When employers invest in recognised professional development, they’re not simply funding a qualification. They’re developing future procurement leaders with the knowledge, confidence and credibility to support long-term business success.
Building procurement capability with Aspire
Every organisation is different, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to procurement training.
Some employers want to introduce procurement capability for the first time. Others are developing experienced teams or preparing future leaders.
Aspire supports both individuals and organisations through:
- CIPS commercial qualifications from Levels 2 to 6.
- Procurement apprenticeships.
- Flexible learning that fits around work.
- Dedicated Skills Coaches.
- Experienced tutors with industry knowledge.
- Advice on choosing the right development pathway for your organisation.
Whether you’re looking to build procurement capability across your team or support one employee with their professional development, we’ll help you find the right solution.
With September and October enrolments now open for our CIPS commercial qualifications, it’s an excellent opportunity to invest in your team’s future.
Let’s talk
Whether you’re thinking about creating your first procurement role, developing an existing employee or strengthening procurement capability across your organisation, we’re here to help.
At Aspire, we’ve helped hundreds of organisations build confident procurement professionals through flexible CIPS qualifications and apprenticeships. We’ll take the time to understand your business, recommend the right learning pathway and support your team every step of the way.
With September and October enrolments now open for our CIPS commercial qualifications, now is an excellent time to start planning your team’s professional development.
Call: 0808 231 2477
Email: qualify@cips-training.com
Visit: www.cips-training.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every business need a procurement professional?
Not every organisation needs a dedicated procurement department. However, every business benefits from good procurement practices. As organisations grow, investing in procurement capability can improve commercial performance, supplier relationships and long-term value.
Should I recruit or train an existing employee?
Many organisations choose to develop existing employees because they already understand the business. Professional qualifications give them recognised procurement knowledge while allowing them to apply new skills immediately.
What qualifications should procurement professionals have?
CIPS qualifications are recognised internationally as the professional standard for procurement and supply. They provide structured development from Level 2 through to MCIPS and support career progression at every stage.
Can SMEs benefit from procurement training?
Absolutely. Smaller organisations often see significant benefits because procurement responsibilities are frequently shared across existing roles. Developing procurement knowledge helps improve purchasing decisions, commercial confidence and supplier management without necessarily creating a large procurement department.