Procurement Survey 2025: AI, Leadership & Strategic CPOs

Procurement leaders are focusing on cost discipline and risk management, while also balancing a growing appetite for enterprise sustainability and increasing rates of AI adoption. 

This and more is highlighted in BizClik’s annual Procurement Survey, in-depth research carried out in collaboration with more than 600 of the world’s most prominent procurement executives. 

The survey, commissioned to understand the function’s challenges, successes and strategies for delivering on organisational objectives provides expert insight and thought-leadership. 

It considers five key themes dominating the procurement landscape:

• Rapidly evolving procurement strategies in the face of growing complexity
• Digital transformation and the adoption of e-procurement solutions
• The growing impact of AI across procurement and beyond
• How geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges are presenting unique challenges
• The future outlook for procurement

According to Glen White, CEO of BizClik: “Right now, those working in these sectors stand at a critical juncture. Leaders face pressure to drive greater strategic value amidst global pressure, employee shortages and the rise of AI.

“What we’ve seen in the survey is that, yes, times are challenging,” says Glen. “However, there’s an overwhelming sense that everyone in procurement is embracing those challenges and transforming the way they work, which is really inspiring.”

Procurement strategy & digital transformation

On strategy, the survey reveals procurement leaders are fully focused on mitigating risk and controlling as many of the processes as possible. This reflects how the current challenging enterprise environment influences strategic priorities.

Cost reduction and efficiency is a priority for 68% of leaders, with sustainability and ESG compliance (55%) and supplier collaboration and innovation (51%) following closely behind. 

Other strategic challenges highlighted by the survey include risk management and resilience (44%), digital transformation and automation (39%) and talent development (28%). 

The procurement operating model has shifted to a more centralised approach, with 52% of respondents signalling a move towards more consistent and controlled procurement. 

Digital technology is supporting this move. The survey shows a modest pace of digital transformation demonstrating that, while progress is being made, the need to fast-track digital investment remains. 

AI, risk and leadership

AI continues to make a significant impact on the way procurement teams operate. While specific use cases vary across a broad range of procurement processes, (49%) nearly half of all those surveyed pointed to AI being truly transformational.

Leaders point to spend classification (62%), supplier risk management (51%) and negotiations and sourcing (48%) as key areas where AI may have the most impact. 

And while the function is fully ready to embrace the technology, some concerns remain about adoption and deployment. Specifically, data security and integration challenges are highlighted as the most prominent worries for leaders.

On risk, the survey reveals that macroeconomic pressures are seeing procurement teams focus on cost-cutting and efficiency, with 47% of those surveyed saying this is a priority. Increasing supplier renegotiations and contract reviews is a priority for 29%, while 8% are mitigating risk by reducing or delaying investment in digital transformation.

In such an environment, it’s little surprise that the CPO role is rapidly evolving. The survey finds that the ongoing shift from transactional function to a true strategic enabler is well under way. 

According to those surveyed, 39% believe that the CPO will have a significantly greater influence on corporate decision making over the next five years, highlighting expanding responsibilities and importance. 

Alongside influencing decision making, 28% believe that the role will be more technology driven, with a particular focus on being able to effectively leverage AI and other digital tools – 26% point to risk as a continued priority for the CPO.

Overall, the survey highlights that procurement is continuing its march from the back office to the boardroom. 

The survey highlights that the change will start at the top, with the majority of respondents expecting the future-ready CPO to influence change across the key themes within the survey. 

BizClik’s research has set out a clear path for the future of procurement: a function that is being pulled closer to the heart of business strategy, and which is primed to use all the tools at its disposal to succeed. 

To explore essential procurement insight and thought-leadership, read The Procurement Survey 2025 here.

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