Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles roles within the Supply Chain job family including jobs in demand, salaries, and employment prospects.
In this article, the role of Head of Procurement/ Chief Procurement Officer is in the spotlight.
The New Zealand Environment
Over the past twenty years, procurement in New Zealand has made significant strides. Thanks to the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and various consultancies offering training and guidance in best practices, the focus has shifted from transactional to strategic procurement. Today, procurement plays a foundational role in most medium to large organisations.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with 1–49 employees make up 97% of New Zealand’s businesses and employ nearly 43% of the workforce (MBIE, 2023). While many SMEs have buying, purchasing or procurement functions, they often don’t require the specialised skills of a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO).
This article will examine the skills required for CPOs, General Managers (GMs), and Heads of Procurement, collectively referred to as ‘CPOs’ here. It will outline the purpose of the role, key skills needed and provide insights into recruitment forecasts and salary trends.
Purpose of the Role
The Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) plays a crucial role in defining and implementing procurement strategies that optimise goods and services across the organisation. Although cost-cutting has long been a focus, CPOs have evolved into strategic leaders, contributing to broader business growth and direction. Their role now emphasises creating value across the procurement ecosystem and supporting informed commercial decisions that drive organisational success.
Between 2023 and 2024, the Head of Procurement role was transformed due to global challenges, advancing technologies, and shifting business priorities. The postpandemic landscape and geopolitical tensions prompted procurement leaders to prioritise supply chain resilience, investing in risk management and supplier diversification. Additionally, stricter ESG regulations and a heightened focus on sustainability reshaped procurement priorities, driving leaders to select sustainable suppliers and integrate responsible practices within their strategies.
Technological advancements and workforce development also reshaped procurement. AI-driven tools, automation, and data analytics are increasingly embedded within procurement operations, enhancing decision-making, spend management, and supplier collaboration.
Leadership is evolving to emphasise cross-functional collaboration and skill development, equipping teams with expertise in data analytics, negotiation, and ESG. This shift positions procurement as a central, strategic function capable of innovating and differentiating in today’s competitive landscape.
Recruitment Forecast 2025
The recruitment outlook for Heads of Procurement in 2025 is expected to remain strong, driven by several critical factors in global procurement. With supply chains becoming increasingly complex, the need for risk management growing, and sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities intensifying, companies are placing greater emphasis on senior procurement roles. Organisations will seek leaders with expertise in digital transformation, data analytics, and automation, as these technologies are set to play a major role in reshaping procurement processes in the years ahead.
As companies expand into emerging markets and prioritise ethical sourcing, procurement leaders will also need proven skills in building resilient supply chains and managing supplier relationships across diverse regions. This ability to navigate complex, global supplier networks and align them with organisational goals will be highly sought after.
The demand for top procurement talent is likely to remain, particularly for candidates who can tackle these evolving challenges while aligning procurement strategies with broader business objectives. This creates valuable opportunities for senior roles. In short, the demand for skilled Heads of Procurement will increase, especially for those with strong technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a commitment to sustainability.
Career Prospects
For professionals aspiring to become a Head of Procurement, career prospects in New Zealand are promising. As procurement continues to gain recognition as a key driver of business performance, those in leadership positions have a clear path to executive roles, including Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) and potentially Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Professionals who can skillfully navigate the complexities of global supply chains, foster resilient supplier relationships, and leverage technologies like AI-driven procurement platforms are highly sought after. Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) presents procurement leaders with opportunities to play a central role in shaping broader business strategies.
A Head of Procurement can also look forward to career opportunities in consulting, offering their expertise to organisations seeking to optimise procurement functions. With a broad skill set—spanning financial acumen, strategic thinking, and relationship management—those in this role are well-positioned for a range of leadership roles, both within and beyond the procurement field.
Key Skills Required
Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) play a vital role in aligning procurement with strategic business goals by building strong relationships across functions like Supply Chain, Operations, IT, Finance, and Legal. This collaboration ensures that procurement strategies are supported across the organisation, allowing CPOs to bring together diverse teams to drive value. Many CPOs use structured processes like Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) to engage stakeholders early, promote transparency, and maintain accountability, facilitating cross-functional buy-in and alignment with broader objectives.
To excel, CPOs must focus on both building and developing a high-performing procurement team. This involves investing in their team’s professional growth, equipping them with advanced tools, and providing mentorship and technical support. As procurement increasingly relies on digital technologies, CPOs who leverage advanced analytics gain a competitive edge. By adopting technologies such as AI and data analytics, CPOs can refine procurement strategies based on real-time insights, improving decision-making and challenging outdated assumptions. Success here requires the right tools, budgets, and commitment to continuous staff training.
The priorities for CPOs are also evolving from traditional “cost-out” strategies toward a balanced “value chain” approach. While cost-reduction tactics remain essential—particularly in response to inflation and economic uncertainty—today’s CPOs are increasingly focused on creating value across the supply chain. This includes fostering supplier collaboration, enhancing sustainability efforts, and building resilient supply chains. With technological advancements and heightened ESG expectations, the role of the CPO now encompasses a broader responsibility: driving efficiency and cost savings while building a sustainable, risk-managed, and value-oriented procurement strategy.
Salary Guide
This information is anecdotal and based on roles Hunter Campbell is currently recruiting or has previously recruited and relate to base salaries. They do not include any additional bonuses or benefits.
Key factors influencing range include size and complexity of organisation, size of team, and level of spend.
- Head of Procurement in a medium sized business: $180,000 – $240,000
- Head of Procurement in a medium to large business: $220,000 – $280,000
- Chief Procurement Officer in a large corporate: $300,000 – $370,000
If you would like to find out more about the role of Chief Procurement Officer, please contact Senior Consultant Wayne Fry. Wayne specialises in the recruitment of Supply Chain, Procurement & Operations roles. For more news and views visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
