Summer is often seen as a quieter season, but for procurement professionals it is precisely the moment to think ahead. While many organisations operate at reduced capacity, opportunities arise to optimise processes, strengthen supplier relationships and prepare strategic procurement plans. In this article, we highlight five trends and focus areas for procurement professionals to keep an eye on this summer — from supply chain resilience to ESG performance and digitalisation.
Summer slowdown? For procurement professionals, it’s actually a strategic moment
The summer holiday period brings calm to many workplaces, but for procurement professionals it often means something else entirely: space to stay sharp. At a time when operational pressure eases, room opens up for reflection, reassessment and strategic decision‑making. Below, we outline the key trends and focus areas procurement professionals can keep on their radar this summer:
Summer is the perfect moment to review contracts, performance and risks. Are your suppliers still future‑proof? Or is it time to reassess relationships or explore alternative partners?
CSRD reporting is approaching. Procurement professionals play a key role in gathering data on environmental, social and governance aspects across the supply chain. Use this quieter period to accelerate internal alignment and data collection.
Are your procurement tools still up to date? Or are you stuck with outdated systems? Summer is ideal for exploring, testing or even implementing digital solutions before the Q4 rush begins.
Geopolitical tensions, inflation and commodity prices remain unpredictable. Do you have an up‑to‑date risk profile of your suppliers and supply chains? Make time for scenario planning and mitigation measures.
Use the summer for team coaching, one‑to‑one conversations or drafting development plans. Or explore which skills your team is missing and how you can invest in them in Q4.
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