Why Procurement Is the Hidden Powerhouse of Every Organisation

Why Procurement Is the Hidden Powerhouse of Every Organisation

When we talk about what makes a business successful, the spotlight often lands on sales, marketing, or product innovation. But there’s one department that often operates behind the scenes — quietly safeguarding profits, managing risk, and driving long-term value: procurement.

Procurement professionals are the silent force behind many of the strategic wins a business enjoys. At Connexin Academy, we believe it’s time this function got the attention — and investment — it truly deserves.

Procurement: It’s Not Just About Buying Things

Yes, procurement is responsible for sourcing goods and services. But it’s so much more than that. In today’s business world, procurement plays a strategic role in:

Building resilient supplier partnerships

Controlling costs and protecting margins

Supporting ESG and sustainability goals

Reducing operational risk

Enabling innovation through smart sourcing

Think of procurement as the central nervous system of a business, coordinating internal needs with external supply, all while balancing cost, quality, and compliance.

Every Pound Saved Goes Straight to the Bottom Line

Here’s something every business leader should know:

£1 saved through procurement = £1 added to profit.

To match that through new sales, you may need to generate £10–£15 in revenue, depending on your margins. That’s why forward-thinking organisations see procurement not as a cost centre, but as a value creator. In fact, McKinsey research shows that world-class procurement functions can reduce procurement costs by up to 12% and increase overall supplier performance by 20–30%.

Procurement = Resilience in a World of Disruption

The past few years have been a crash course in risk management, with Brexit, COVID-19, inflation, and global supply chain shocks showing just how fragile operations can be. Procurement teams are at the heart of an organisation’s response to disruption. They:

Identify alternative suppliers

Monitor risk exposure across global chains

Ensure business continuity

Negotiate more flexible or sustainable terms

Without strong procurement, many organisations would have ground to a halt. With it, they adapt, pivot, and stay competitive.

Sustainability Starts with Supply Chains

With growing ESG expectations from customers, stakeholders and regulators, procurement is under the microscope. According to CIPS, over 80% of an organisation’s environmental impact can come from its supply chain. That puts procurement teams in a unique position to:

Source from ethical, sustainable suppliers

Reduce waste and carbon footprint

Ensure compliance with modern slavery and labour standards

Drive circular economy practices

Forward-thinking businesses are embedding sustainability into every contract, and it starts with procurement.

Procurement Is a High-Impact Career

It’s not just a vital business function — it’s an exciting and fast-evolving career path.

A recent CIPS survey found:

70% of procurement professionals feel their role has become more strategic in the past two years

81% believe procurement plays a key role in business resilience and growth

Salaries for procurement roles continue to rise above the national average, with experienced professionals often earning between £40,000–£70,000+. According to the CIPS/Hays Procurement Salary Guide 2023, the average salary across procurement is £53,359, but that figure jumps to £64,524 for MCIPS-qualified professionals, compared to £43,526 for those without the qualification.

This highlights the value of professional development and accreditation in accelerating both career progression and earning potential.

Procurement roles increasingly demand a wide range of skills — from negotiation and stakeholder engagement to sustainability, data analysis, and strategic thinking. It’s a career that offers tangible impact, strong progression routes, and real financial reward.

At Connexin Academy, we provide procurement training that supports professionals at every stage — from entry-level roles right through to MCIPS qualification, helping you build a career with real influence.

How Connexin Academy Can Help

At Connexin Academy, we’re proud to be recognised as a CIPS Centre of Excellence — the highest designation awarded by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. This means our training meets the gold standard in the profession.

We offer procurement and supply apprenticeships that are ideal for:

Professionals new to the industry

Team members ready to step into more strategic roles

Employers looking to upskill staff with structured, funded development

Our programmes are designed to build capability, not just tick boxes.

Final Thought

Procurement may not always be front of mind, but it’s at the heart of every high-performing organisation. It controls spend, reduces risk, fuels sustainability, and powers innovation. Whether you’re a business looking to build procurement capability or a professional ready to grow your impact, now is the time to invest in procurement.

Want to find out more? Complete the form below