Beyond Pay and Perks

In my experience, candidates today are placing far more emphasis on flexibility and purpose than ever before. Flexible working remains a top request, but it is only one part of the conversation. People want to feel connected to the vision of the business. The quality of leadership, the clarity of purpose, and the opportunity for real impact are now critical factors in whether someone chooses to join or stay with an organisation.

When it comes to what tips the balance, it is rarely one single perk. The best candidates are making decisions based on the full package. Salary and benefits matter, but so do leadership, long-term opportunity, and alignment with personal values. Employers who do not address all of these areas will find it harder to attract the right people.

Personally, I believe purpose is what drives day-to-day engagement. For mid-level and senior professionals, purpose and values come first. Flexibility is expected, and while salary remains important, it often sits behind a sense of meaning and progression.

ESG

ESG has also become a central theme in procurement. In my last role, ESG experience was not just welcomed but expected. I have seen first-hand how shareholder value is increasingly tied to ESG performance, with sustainability now viewed as important as financial return. It is becoming a core component of procurement roles rather than a separate responsibility.

Some candidates are well prepared for these expectations, particularly in the FMCG sector, where responsible sourcing and ethical practices are already embedded. That said, there is still room to build knowledge and confidence across the wider talent pool. ESG is now essential, and businesses need professionals who understand both the risks and the opportunities it brings.

Technology and automation

Technology is another area that is rapidly evolving. AI and automation are being embedded across job descriptions, from planning to tender processes. The demand for data-savvy and AI-literate professionals is increasing. We are seeing more roles that simply did not exist five years ago, especially those that involve analytics, forecasting, and digital decision-making.

Most candidates are still learning to work confidently with AI tools, and there is definitely a need for more structured training and support. For anyone looking to future-proof their career, my advice is simple: explore how AI can improve your daily work, build hands-on experience, and be ready to talk about it clearly in interviews. It is not about replacing people. It is about adding value through smarter tools and insight.

Looking at the wider landscape, one of the biggest shifts I have seen recently is the return to office-based working. After such a strong shift to remote and hybrid models, many organisations are now pulling back. This change is reshaping candidate expectations again and will continue to affect how employers compete for talent.

How we help

Portfolio Procurement are procurement and supply chain recruitment specialists, delivering tailored solutions across permanent, interim and fixed-term appointments.  To understand how we can help find the right professional for your business, register a vacancy with us today.

Andy Garner

Head of Supply Chain | Veetee Group

Andy Garner is a senior supply chain leader with over 25 years’ experience across the food and FMCG sectors. Currently Head of Supply Chain at Veetee, he has held senior roles at Vibrant Foods and Tilda.