The CPO of Tomorrow

Sia conducted a global survey of senior procurement leaders across industries to draw a data-driven portrait of the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) of tomorrow. This study captures the evolving expectations, challenges, and skillsets shaping the future of procurement. Through this global lens, we explore how CPOs are adapting to rising complexity, accelerating sustainability goals, and unlocking the potential of digital transformation.

Procurement leaders are facing a paradigm shift. The global landscape, shaped by raw material shortages, energy price surges, geopolitical crises, and rising ESG expectations, is putting immense pressure on Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs). According to our international study, many CPOs find their current procurement maturity misaligned with evolving market demands. Particularly in large organizations, complex systems, insufficient integration, and outdated tools are key barriers.

The modern CPO must go beyond cost control and process optimization. Sia’s research reveals a growing urgency for strategic agility, where procurement becomes a driver of business continuity, innovation, and value creation. Challenges such as inflationary pressure, supply chain disruption, and regulatory shifts are pushing procurement teams to reimagine their function as an engine for resilience. Meanwhile, smaller companies demonstrate more flexibility and higher perceived maturity, highlighting agility as a competitive advantage.

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”; it’s becoming a defining pillar of procurement strategy. 69% of CPOs believe their function plays a central role in helping organizations meet decarbonization goals. Yet, many efforts remain focused on low-effort actions like adding ESG clauses in tenders. True transformation demands embedding sustainability in supplier collaboration, internal specifications, and long-term sourcing strategies. CPOs must act as catalysts of change, driving a shift from short-term compliance to enduring impact.

Tomorrow’s procurement leaders will need a blended skillset that balances tradition with innovation. While supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing, and risk control remain essential, emerging capabilities in AI, data science, digital transformation, and sustainability are gaining momentum. However, these skills are still undervalued by many respondents. At Sia, we see them as non-negotiable differentiators, vital to building smart, adaptive, and future-ready procurement functions.