5 essentials for modern procurement leaders

Procurement isn’t about buying things, it’s about enabling every team to do their best work. Over the years, I’ve learned that success in this space doesn’t come from templates or tools alone. It comes from mastering a handful of core capabilities that shape how procurement leads, not follows.

If you’ve ever built procurement from scratch, you know how many hats will be worn. I’ve done this a few times now—taking procurement functions from zero to one—and I’ve learned that success comes down to five core capabilities. 

1. Communication

Tip: Start with conversations, always.

Action: Before rolling out policies or processes, go on a listening tour. Talk to the C-suite, finance, IT, legal, and most importantly, your end users (remember they’re your customers). The goal is to understand how work actually gets done today and build trust before you change anything. Create consistent channels for feedback and updates so people see procurement as a partner, not a roadblock.

2. Data

Tip: Your data is your map. Don’t start without it.

Action: Vendor and spend data live in more places than you think: finance systems, spreadsheets, inboxes, and sometimes people’s heads. Start by identifying where that data sits, how reliable it is, and what’s missing. Then consolidate it into one clean source of truth. This is your foundation for smarter decisions and credibility with leadership.

3. Tech

Tip: Learn your tech stack like it’s your toolbox.

Action: Every company is powered by technology, procurement is no exception. Audit your systems: what tools support purchasing, contracts, approvals, and expenses? Where are the gaps? Then focus on simplicity. The right tools make buying seamless for everyone, not just procurement. You’re building systems for the organization, remember that. 

4. Vendors

Tip: Treat vendors like long-term partners, not transactions.

Action: Companies run on their partners: software, hardware, consultants, agencies. Strong relationships can make or break your business. Invest time in understanding your vendors’ goals and aligning on shared outcomes. Great vendor management is about co-creating success, both companies driving innovation and growth.

5. Strategy

Tip: Procurement strategy should mirror company strategy.

Action: Your job isn’t just to save money, it’s to enable growth. Align your procurement roadmap with the company’s mission and organizational goals. When every purchase supports a strategic objective, you shift from “cost control” to “business enablement.” That’s how you earn a seat at the table.

Procurement done right builds capability and lowers costs. It’s about building better buying cultures. The leaders who master communication, data, tech, relationships, and strategy end up doing much more than running a function, they shape the future of their companies. 

It’s not easy, but it is worth it.