What New Procurement Laws Mean for Hiring in Manchester

Since stepping into supply chain and procurement recruitment, I’ve worked with a huge variety of businesses across Greater Manchester, ranging from innovative SMEs to major manufacturers. One thing we’re all navigating right now? Change.

The introduction of the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force in February 2025, has added a new layer of complexity to hiring in this space. It’s one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in years and it’s already shaping the types of roles that businesses are prioritising.

More Than Just Policy: What This Means in Practice

The Act brings together and replaces old EU-based procurement rules, which means there’s a lot more emphasis now on transparency, supplier performance, and social value.

While the policy side of things can feel distant from day-to-day hiring, the reality is that employers are actively adjusting their teams to respond to these changes. And that’s where recruitment comes in.

A Real Shift in What Clients Are Looking For

Over the past few months, I’ve seen demand increase for candidates who can do more than just manage suppliers or chase the best price. Employers want procurement professionals who can:

• Understand public procurement processes
• Work with new digital systems and frameworks
• Build supplier relationships that are ethical and sustainable
• Track and report on social value; something now baked into many contracts

It’s no longer just about technical ability. Commercial thinking, data confidence, and stakeholder skills are becoming just as important. Roles like Category Manager, Procurement Analyst, and Supply Chain Planner are now carrying more strategic weight.

It’s Also Changing Who’s Hiring

The new legislation isn’t just affecting big public-sector organisations. I’m seeing more SME clients reach out, needing support to navigate the new rules, especially where bids, compliance, or breaking down contracts into smaller lots are involved.

What’s great is that this is creating opportunities for both experienced professionals and those looking to step up into bigger, broader roles. Some clients are recruiting newly created positions to bridge knowledge gaps. Others are investing in upskilling existing teams, but often need short-term or interim support while that happens.

What This Means If You’re Hiring (or Looking to Be Hired)

If you’re hiring, the pool of procurement talent is strong, but the brief has shifted. Getting the right match now means focusing on capability, yes, but also on adaptability and awareness of the changing landscape.

If you’re a candidate, there’s a lot to be optimistic about. There are new opportunities emerging, especially if you’ve got experience with tender processes, contract management, or ESG initiatives. Even if you don’t have direct public sector experience, skills like supplier negotiation, stakeholder comms, and cost optimisation are highly transferable.

What the Procurement Act Means for Employers and Candidates

The Procurement Act might feel like a policy change on paper, but it’s having a very real impact on the ground, especially here in Manchester.

If you’re navigating hiring or job searching in procurement right now, I’m here to help. Whether you need support understanding how the new rules affect your team, want access to current salary data, or just want to talk through your next move, I’d love to hear from you. Contact Seren Milner here.