Procurement Market Analysis Based on Data and Practice
The procurement function is evolving faster than organizational structures. Cost pressure, regionalization of structures, the role of AI, and talent shortages are factors influencing leadership and organizational decisions in procurement.
In the Insights section, we publish procurement market analyses based on:
- data from search projects,
- research within the procurement community,
- observation of regional and global trends.
This knowledge is built from practice, not external commentary.
Procurement Barometer
The Procurement Barometer is a cyclical study of the procurement market in Poland. The report includes, among others:
- compensation levels within the procurement function,
- leadership mobility and turnover,
- competencies sought in regional and global roles,
- impact of AI and digitalization on team structures,
- development directions of the procurement function.
The data is sourced from hundreds of procurement professionals and from projects delivered by Big Fish.
Download the latest edition of the Procurement Barometer
Thematic Reports and Analyses
We also publish studies addressing:
- future competencies in procurement,
- structure and maturity of the procurement function,
- compensation benchmarks,
- challenges in recruiting CPOs and regional leaders,
- the role of AI in spend analysis and category management.
Selected publications are available for download upon submission of contact details.
Why We Publish
The procurement market is relatively narrow and highly relationship-driven. Access to reliable data supports:
- informed hiring decisions,
- compensation budget planning,
- evaluation of functional maturity,
- preparation for organizational transformation.
Insights are an integral part of our advisory work and a natural complement to executive search and assessment services.
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09.09.2025
A Category Manager without a team but with a budget larger than that of many marketing departments. A look at how much Category Managers in Poland really earn.
How much do Category Managers in Poland really earn? The results of the nationwide Big Fish Polska 2025 survey, which gathered responses from over 500 professionals in procurement departments, provide insights into the salaries of Category Managers—and, more importantly, the factors behind them. Although the job title sounds managerial, in practice it is interpreted very differently depending on the company, its structure, and the scope of responsibilities. For some, it is an independent strategic role with influence over global contracts; for others, it is an operational or tactical function without real impact on business decisions. Regardless of organizational setup, however, Category Managers are increasingly taking on responsibilities typically associated with higher management levels. They negotiate contracts worth tens of millions of euros, collaborate with finance, R&D, and executive boards, manage strategic procurement categories, and have a tangible impact on company financial performance.
10.07.2025
EBITDA Begins with Knowledge – The Role of Learning in Procurement Transformation
In a rapidly changing business environment, continuous learning is key to maintaining competitiveness. The scope of required skills is evolving quickly—according to LinkedIn data, since 2015 the skill sets needed in the job market have changed by 25%, and by 2027 this shift is expected to reach 50%.
03.04.2025
New Types of Positions and Competencies in Procurement: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
Effective career management in procurement requires continuously monitoring current competency trends. To meet the expectations of candidates who consciously shape their professional development and strive for stable employment, we consistently analyze market needs and the evolving role of procurement departments.
20.02.2024
Key performance indicators in procurement effectiveness / procurement objectives
Assessing the competencies of candidates for procurement departments, we always ask this question during interviews. The response is important to us because it demonstrates in what advanced procurement organizations our candidate has worked. Job titles often do not reflect the complexity of a procurement role. For example, in flat organizational structures, we have buyers who manage purchasing categories, reporting directly to the purchasing manager/leader/director, while in more elaborate organizations, buyers may be involved in the procure-to-pay process without any experience in strategic sourcing. Some may be accountable for cost avoidance, while others for order fulfillment.
23.01.2024
Check our FAIQ – Frequently Asked Interview Questions.
Check our FAIQ – Frequently Asked Interview Questions. A selection of our most common interview questions for the procurement professionals is listed below. We hope that this list will help you to prepare better for the interview. Of course the questions depend on the competences that are crucial to our customers, the role itself (whether it is more tactical or strategic ) and a some other factors that are a bit more complex.
24.05.2023
Recruitment and development of procurement teams through the eyes of Big Fish (Polish market in 2022/2023)
From our observations, crises do favor procurement when it comes to recognizing their role in the organization. However, as reported by Garner's "Future of Supply Chain survey", it is difficult to talk about a longer and more sustainable trend here. The strategic role of procurement was "discovered" during the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, supply chain difficulties are treated as the new norm. Nevertheless, the job market is still an employee market, and for now, it doesn't seem to be changing.