Ready to take that crucial next step in your career? If so, you’re not alone. The CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide 2025, in partnership with Hays, highlights that procurement and supply professionals around the world expect to move to a new employer within the next 12 months.
Globally, 40% of respondents are looking to switch employer. Those in MENA are most likely to want to move. By contrast, respondents in the UK are the keenest to stay put.
Reasons to move
Salary is the most important consideration for procurement and supply professionals looking to move to a new employer (cited by 81% globally). In fact, it is the top consideration in every region other than Sub-Saharan Africa, where career progression opportunities rank higher. The next most important factor that procurement and supply professionals globally consider when moving is career progression opportunities (73%), followed by reassurance about job security (69%).
There is greater variation between regions in terms of why procurement and supply professionals might choose not to seek a new or more senior role. In the UK, for example, they prioritise work-life balance and enjoyment of the job they have now. In Asia, on the other hand, the primary reasons why people don’t want to move roles is the need for additional training and development and a lack of opportunity.
Globally, the top three reasons why procurement and supply professionals don’t move roles are: needing additional training and development (36%), enjoying their current job (34%) and wanting to retain their work-life balance (33%).
Benefits
Alongside factors such as salary and career progression, benefits are likely to be an important consideration for procurement and supply professionals who are looking to move roles. There is considerable variation between regions in terms of the benefits received and desired by procurement and supply professionals.
Working from home is the benefit that is most received and desired in Australia and New Zealand, Europe and the UK. In contrast, professionals in Asia, MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa would like to receive support for study and career development while private medical insurance is the benefit most received. In South Africa, private medical insurance is the main benefit that is both desired and received.
[Graphic] Top five most desired benefits globally
• Working from home (48%)
• Flexible working hours (46%)
• Private medical insurance (42%)
• Support for study/career development (35%)
• Car allowance/company car (30%)
Skills
The right skill set is vital for career progression. Regardless of the level they’re currently at in their careers, procurement and supply professionals should be looking to constantly develop themselves by acquiring new skills and competencies.
Employers expect procurement and supply professionals to demonstrate a broad range of skills. Globally, the five skills they deem most important are communication skills (47%), negotiation skills (40%), supplier relationship management skills (35%), critical thinking/curiosity (35%) and sourcing skills (34%).
Employers deem communication skills as the most desirable skills for candidates at every level other than Influencing, the most senior level. At Influencing level, negotiation skills are considered most important.
Those who already hold, or aspire to hold, leadership roles within procurement and supply are expected to have particular characteristics and skills. Integrity and trust (58%) are seen as the most important characteristics for a procurement and supply leader to have for the next 10 years, according to respondents globally, followed by communication skills (49%) and collaboration skills (43%).
The MCIPS advantage
Being MCIPS can help you to make your next career move with confidence. That’s because it demonstrates your expertise and technical excellence to employers. It also shows that you’re dedicated to your career, to ethical standards of practice and to operating with integrity. For these reasons, over half (52%) of employers globally say that they prefer candidates who are either MCIPS or studying towards it.
MCIPS is invaluable for those at every level of the profession, but it is particularly vital for those who hope to reach the highest levels and earn the biggest salaries. Globally, 45% of respondents at Influencing level and 42% of respondents at Leading level have MCIPS.
Find out how to futureproof your career with MCIPS here.