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 Procurement Analyst is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
A Procurement Analyst typically exists in larger procurement teams or in more mature procurement functions that have the capacity and structure to support a specialised role. In smaller or less developed procurement teams, the role of Procurement Analyst will typically be absorbed or distributed among other roles such as Procurement Specialist or Category Manager.
A Procurement Analyst usually reports to a Procurement Manager/Head of Procurement but supports Procurement Specialists or Procurement Category Managers. In larger teams Procurement Analyst tend to be assigned to specific categories (for example raw materials, packaging, ICT, corporate), though usually teams have one Procurement Analyst providing support across the whole procurement function and multiple categories.
A Procurement Analyst is responsible for understanding the requirements of the business and to carry out research and evaluation of suppliers, products, and services to support the Procurement Team in effective decision-making that enables the business to achieve optimal supply of product and services at minimum cost to the business.
The main role of a Procurement Analyst is to provide data and analysis on current suppliers, potential suppliers and future market trends to support decision making across the procurement team.
Increasingly Procurement Analysts are required to provide data and research on suppliers, analysing their ethical and sustainability programs to determine their level of transparency and adherence to global standards and national legislative requirements.
The responsibilities of a Procurement Analyst vary but are likely to include:
- Data Analysis
- Supplier Evaluation
- Cost Analysis
- Market Research
- Contract management
- Risk management
- Reporting and dashboards
- Process improvement
- Compliance
- Supplier Relationship Management
Recruitment Forecast 2025
As businesses aim to optimise procurement processes, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability, procurement analysts have become more strategic and data-driven.
Procurement Analysts continue to be in high demand. Despite economic challenges and reduced hiring activity businesses are still focused on building capability in value-add areas of their business that can deliver real gains. Procurement has entered the limelight as a key performer in being able to reduce cost, mitigate risk and improve the continuity of supply. With the rising importance of sustainability, anti-slavery, environmentalism and supply chain transparency; the requirements for procurement professionals who can deliver sound research and analysis to make effective decisions in an increasingly complex world is paramount.
Individuals possessing the necessary technical, systems, and analytical expertise—combined with the ability to interpret complex data and build strong relationships—are increasingly rare. As demand for top-tier talent continues to grow, these professionals will remain in high demand but scarce supply.
Career Prospects
Procurement Analysts bring impressive expertise across areas such as data analysis, relationship management, research, cost control, risk mitigation, and supporting effective decision-making.
This role is an excellent career choice in its own right, with many procurement professionals opting to stay in the position long-term.
For those seeking progression, natural career paths exist both within and beyond procurement. High-performing individuals are often guided toward roles such as Procurement Specialist or Category Manager, advancing their careers further in the procurement field.
Outside procurement, there are viable transitions into roles in analytics, project management, or commercial management across areas like Finance, Sales, or industry-specific positions. These roles value skills in rigorous data management, numerical analysis, and delivering actionable insights to support sound commercial decision-making.
Qualifications
Procurement Analysts typically hold a degree in fields such as supply chain management, procurement, engineering, or mathematics/statistics.
This role does not follow a traditional career path, but individuals with strong critical thinking and data skills are highly valued. Candidates often transition into this role from positions such as Purchasing Assistant, Inventory Analyst, Master Data Coordinator, or from analytical roles in other business areas like sales or finance. For graduates pursuing a career in procurement, starting as a Procurement Analyst is common, providing a solid foundation for progression to roles such as Procurement Specialist, Category Manager, or Procurement Manager.
While not mandatory, qualifications, certifications, or memberships from organisations like NZPICS or CIPS are highly regarded, particularly for those aiming to advance their careers in procurement.
Key Skills Required
While a Procurement Analyst does not oversee the full 360-degree procurement process, they require many of the same skills as a Procurement Specialist or Procurement Category Manager. Unlike these roles, Analysts are not responsible for making final decisions, agreeing on terms, or negotiating contracts. Instead, their focus is on conducting critical research, performing evaluations, and managing key relationships.
To excel in this role, a Procurement Analyst must possess the following essential skills:
- Communication and relationship management: The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, third-party suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
- Critical thinking: A capability to analyse data and research effectively, enabling sound procurement recommendations and decisions. A solutions-focused mindset to deliver practical and effective outcomes for the business.
- Analytical and numerical skills: Proficiency in handling data and deriving insights to support decision-making and enhance procurement processes.
These skills ensure a Procurement Analyst is well-equipped to contribute significantly to procurement operations.
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.
- Junior: $70,000 – $90,000
- Intermediate: $90,000 – $120,000
- Senior: $120,000 – $140,000
Junior Analysts are typically university graduates or professionals transitioning into their first procurement-specific role. Their responsibilities are primarily centred around research, data management, and reporting, serving as a supportive function rather than focusing on decision-making or commercial responsibilities.
Intermediate Procurement Analysts bring more experience to the role, offering greater capability in providing advice and guidance. They also demonstrate a stronger understanding of supplier management, relationship building, and the application of data and analysis.
Senior Procurement Analysts are more engaged in commercial decision-making and advanced data analysis. They may also take on team management responsibilities, reflecting their broader scope of accountability and decision-making expertise.
If you would like to find out more about the role of Procurement Analyst, 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.
