IWD 2025: Why Procurement is a Strategic Career Choice for Women

When you think about career paths that offer growth opportunities, strategic impact, and the chance to drive real-world change, procurement might not be the first field that comes to mind – but it should be. Traditionally seen as a back-office function, procurement and supply chain management have evolved into dynamic, influential roles where innovative thinking and strong leadership make a tangible difference.

Over the past three years, 60% of organizations have seen an increase in female representation in procurement, and 76% of executives say women in procurement bring fresh perspectives that fuel creativity and innovation on their teams. As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's the perfect time to highlight how procurement offers women a career with great potential.

What is Procurement?

Procurement is a strategic function that involves orchestrating complex processes from sourcing and negotiating with suppliers, to ensuring that every department within an organization has what it needs to operate efficiently. Effective procurement relies on collaboration, visibility, and speed, bringing together cross-functional teams to make smarter, faster decisions that drive business outcomes.

The role of procurement professionals has expanded significantly over the past few years. Procurement professionals no longer just handle orders. They're building stronger supply chains, promoting fair and ethical sourcing, and supporting sustainability goals. Often, they are key players in important business decisions, guiding companies through challenges like supply chain disruptions, changing regulations, regulatory compliance, and market volatility.

The demand for skilled procurement professionals is also growing. As global supply chains become more complex, organizations are seeking experts who can help them navigate challenges, drive efficiencies, and achieve their strategic goals. This creates significant opportunities for advancement, competitive salaries, and the chance to work across diverse industries, from technology and healthcare to consumer goods and financial services.

The Skills That Drive Success in Procurement

Success in procurement is not about fitting a specific mold. It's about leveraging a broad set of skills to drive results. These include:

• Strategic Relationship Building: Procurement is all about collaboration. Developing strong supplier partnerships leads to better negotiations, improved supplier performance, and a more resilient supply chain. Professionals who excel at building trust and managing long-term relationships often find success in this field.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Procurement professionals are orchestrators. They work across departments – from finance and operations to legal and HR – ensuring alignment and effective execution of procurement strategies. This collaboration enhances efficiency and ensures that procurement activities align with broader business goals.
• Leadership with Impact: Modern procurement leaders do more than manage processes. They shape strategies, advocate for ethical practices, and promote sustainability. Those who bring a balanced, thoughtful approach to leadership can make a lasting impact on their teams and organizations.

The Opportunity for Women in Procurement

As more women enter the field of procurement, they bring fresh perspectives that challenge the status quo and contribute to building more innovative, resilient supply chains. It's a career path where strategic influence, real-world impact, and leadership opportunities are within reach.

On this International Women's Day, I encourage all professionals – especially women – who are looking for a career that blends strategy, collaboration, and tangible results to take a closer look at procurement. It's a strategic and rewarding option for anyone ready to take on new challenges and make a difference.