The rise of procurement is evident in 2025, as it is having a moment. Once viewed as an operational back-office function, procurement has rapidly evolved into a strategic powerhouse driving policy, sustainability, risk management, and innovation across both the public and private sectors. Individuals interested are recognising these transformative opportunities and will use procurement as a strategic career.
This transformation is especially prominent in government procurement, where the pressure to deliver more with less, meet social targets, and navigate geopolitical complexity has elevated procurement to the boardroom.
If you’re already in procurement or considering a career move, here’s why there has never been a better time to be in the profession—and how to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
1. Procurement is Now Strategically Critical
Procurement has moved from the margins to the centre of strategic decision-making. Governments and businesses alike now see procurement not simply as a mechanism to obtain goods and services, but as a vehicle to deliver policy objectives, innovation, and resilience.
In the 2025 Federal Budget, for example, procurement was explicitly identified as a lever to promote Indigenous participation, environmental sustainability, and economic development (budget.gov.au). This underscores how vital procurement has become in enabling whole-of-government strategies.
Tip:
Position yourself as a strategic partner, not just a buyer. Learn to communicate how procurement decisions link directly to organisational outcomes like ESG goals, community benefits, or economic resilience.
2. A Career Across Every Industry
One of procurement’s greatest strengths is its universal relevance. Whether it’s healthcare, infrastructure, defence, education, or technology—every sector relies on skilled procurement professionals.
According to the 2023 Australian Public Service Workforce Strategy, procurement roles are in high demand across federal, state, and local government due to increased spending on infrastructure, IT, and sustainability initiatives (apsc.gov.au).
From contract managers in public hospitals to category managers in renewable energy firms, the roles are varied and transferable. And as more organisations embrace sustainable and ethical sourcing, the scope of procurement work continues to grow.
Tip:
Explore lateral movements across sectors to build experience. If you’re in construction procurement, consider roles in education, energy, or digital infrastructure where your skills will be in high demand.
3. Technology is Reshaping Procurement—and Opening Doors
The digital transformation of procurement is well underway. With eProcurement platforms, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain increasingly embedded in procurement processes, professionals are now required to combine commercial acumen with digital literacy.
The NSW Government’s Procurement Reform Agenda specifically highlights digitisation as a key enabler of better outcomes and transparency (buy.nsw.gov.au).
Automation tools now handle everything from sourcing to invoice approvals, freeing professionals to focus on supplier innovation, risk strategy, and broader value delivery.
Tip:
Upskill in data analysis, contract management systems, and AI-driven procurement tools. Free platforms like Coursera and government programs such as Digital Skills for the APS can help boost your tech literacy.
4. Procurement is Leading the Sustainability Charge
The 2025 Federal Budget’s expansion of the Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy to categories like furniture, textiles, and ICT marks a pivotal shift. It’s a clear signal that public sector buyers are now expected to lead on climate and circular economy goals (dcceew.gov.au).
In the private sector, investors and regulators are demanding transparent ESG supply chains—making sustainable procurement a competitive advantage.
Procurement professionals are now tasked with embedding environmental criteria into supplier selection, conducting life cycle assessments, and driving circular economy innovation.
Tip:
Familiarise yourself with standards like ISO 20400 (Sustainable Procurement) and build your skills in carbon footprint analysis or modern slavery risk assessments. These will soon become baseline competencies.
5. Salaries and Career Progression Are Increasing
As procurement’s strategic value grows, so does remuneration. The Hays Salary Guide 2024/25 reports that procurement roles saw average salary increases of 6.2% across government and infrastructure sectors—outpacing many other professions.
Senior roles, like Head of Procurement or Chief Procurement Officer, command six-figure salaries and often report directly to the executive team.
There’s also a clear development pathway through qualifications like the Certificate IV or Diploma in Procurement and Contracting, Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) certification, and postgraduate supply chain degrees.
Tip:
Don’t wait to invest in qualifications. Certifications not only increase your salary potential—they also provide access to professional networks, job boards, and credibility with hiring managers.
6. Procurement Skills Are Globally Transferable
Unlike regulated professions (law, medicine), procurement expertise is universally relevant. Australian procurement professionals with government experience are sought-after in countries with similar accountability systems like New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.
Global supply chains are also demanding cross-border collaboration. Procurement teams now regularly manage international suppliers, navigate customs and trade policies, and ensure ethical standards across complex networks.
Tip:
Consider applying for overseas secondments or remote global procurement roles with multinational firms. Highlight your understanding of international trade compliance, cultural awareness, and ethical sourcing.
7. Supply Chain Resilience is a National Priority
COVID-19 exposed the fragility of global supply chains—and procurement was thrust into the spotlight. From rapid PPE acquisition to rebuilding domestic manufacturing, procurement teams played a critical role in crisis management.
Today, the National Reconstruction Fund and state-level procurement reforms explicitly prioritise domestic capability, diversified supply chains, and resilience planning (industry.gov.au).
Procurement professionals who understand risk mapping, geopolitical analysis, and supplier diversification are now considered vital to national capability.
Tip:
Build skills in supply risk assessment, business continuity planning, and supplier due diligence. These areas will become increasingly embedded in public procurement frameworks and policies.
8. Lifelong Learning is Built Into the Profession
Procurement is a dynamic field that requires constant adaptation. Whether it’s keeping up with legislative changes like the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, new contract types, or market shifts, learning never stops.
Agencies such as AUSTENDER, Procurement Learning Centre (PLC), and APS Academy offer continuous development opportunities.
Many government departments now also mandate CPD for senior procurement staff, ensuring skills remain current and aligned with evolving policy expectations.
Tip:
Create a personal development plan with one major course or certification per year. Join professional communities like CIPS ANZ, or Procurement and Supply Australasia (PASA) to stay ahead of the curve.
9. It’s a People-Centric, High-Impact Role
At its core, procurement is about relationships—with suppliers, internal clients, finance, legal, and community stakeholders. Those who thrive in procurement combine analytical rigour with empathy and stakeholder engagement.
Unlike isolated desk roles, procurement officers are often involved in major projects—from hospital builds to green energy procurement—giving them a visible, tangible sense of impact.
As The Mandarin highlighted in 2024, government buyers are increasingly expected to “act as change agents” to deliver inclusive, ethical, and strategic value (themandarin.com.au).
Tip:
Develop your soft skills—communication, negotiation, stakeholder facilitation—and practice telling the “value story” of your work. These human-centred capabilities differentiate great procurement professionals from good ones.
10. You Can Start Right Now
Unlike professions that require years of tertiary study, procurement is accessible. Entry-level roles exist in every agency, council, or large corporate. You can start with on-the-job experience, then layer on formal qualifications.
Government-funded traineeships, micro-credentials, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) also allow career-changers to transition quickly.
Tip:
Look for roles titled Procurement Officer, Contracts Administrator, Category Support, or Purchasing Officer—all of which provide strong foundations. Reach out to a recruiter specialising in public sector roles or explore the APS Jobs site for vacancies.
Final Thoughts: It’s More Than a Job—it’s a Mission
In 2025, procurement is a career of purpose. It combines commercial acumen with public good, tech with human connection, and short-term savings with long-term impact.
As the pressure grows on governments and businesses to buy better, buy fairer, and buy smarter, procurement professionals will be the ones leading the charge.
Whether you’re starting out, returning to the workforce, or pivoting careers, procurement offers diversity, security, and meaning.