At Procurement Heads, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing and collaborating with some of the most inspiring women in procurement. These leaders are transforming their organisations and reshaping the future of the industry.
From strategic sourcing to supplier diversity, their stories are rich with insight, resilience, and innovation.
This article celebrates their journeys and shares some of their most powerful lessons. Through our Big Interview and CPO Spotlight series, we’ve uncovered stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership that continue to shape the future of the profession. From Emma Giles’ strategic vision at Allianz to Lorna Baker’s commitment to social value, and Morgan Rachal’s dream of inspiring the next generation, these women don’t just work in procurement, they elevate it. Their voices are bold, their journeys inspiring, and their insights invaluable.
Check it out below!
“Procurement is a space where women are thriving, leading, and innovating.”
— Lauren Bell, Consultant, Procurement Heads
In her article, The Rise of Women in Procurement, Lauren Bell explores how women are breaking stereotypes and driving change. With women now holding 38% of procurement roles and 25% of leadership positions, the shift is undeniable.
“Women bring a unique blend of strategic thinking, empathy, and collaboration—qualities that are essential in today’s procurement landscape.”
📌 Read the full article here →
“We’re not just reviewing metrics—we’re building resilient, future-ready supply chains.”
— Emma Giles, Head of SRM, Allianz Holdings
In The Big Interview with Emma Giles, Emma shares her journey from pharmaceutical procurement to leading the non-Claims Supplier Relationship Management team at Allianz. Her story is a masterclass in adaptability and leadership.
“I feel really energised by the opportunity to work more closely and seamlessly with other expert teams… to pinpoint the weaknesses and opportunities in our supply chain.”
🎥 Watch or read Emma’s full interview →
“We need to show young women that procurement is a career where they can thrive.”
— Julia, Procurement Leader
In her Big Interview, Julia discusses the importance of visibility, mentorship, and creating inclusive pathways for women in procurement.
“It’s about making procurement visible as a career choice—and showing that it’s dynamic, impactful, and full of opportunity.”
📺 Explore more interviews with women in procurement →
What can we learn from Women in Procurement
- Lead with empathy and strategy: Women are redefining leadership in procurement with a focus on sustainability, ethics, and long-term value.
- Champion diversity: Many advocate for supplier diversity, supporting underrepresented businesses and driving inclusive growth.
- Speak up and show up: Visibility and confidence are key to influencing change and inspiring the next generation.
✅ Looking for more?
🔗 Browse all of our Procurement interviews →
📩 Or get in touch to share your own story or nominate a leader we should spotlight.
Despite increased visibility, many women in procurement still face significant challenges:
- 66% of women in procurement and supply report experiencing gender-based adversity in the past year 1.
- 29% are paid less than male colleagues for the same work 1.
- 34% say their ideas or work are attributed to male colleagues, and 23% feel ignored or overlooked in meetings 1.
- Only 28% of leadership teams are at least half female, while 27% of organisations have less than 10% female leadership 1.
“Representation has improved, but not enough. Equity is part of the conversation, but not yet embedded in daily experience.”
— 2025 BRAVO Women in Procurement & Supply Chain Report
The Recruitment Lens:
Burnout & Attrition
- 31% of women in mid-level procurement roles are leaving due to lack of advancement opportunities 1.
- 52% anticipate increased stress from return-to-office mandates, with 23% fearing they’ll have to leave the workforce entirely 1.
- Only 21% of organisations have a formal gender equity strategy, and 42% have none at all 1.
“We risk losing high-performing women unless we address gender equity and nurture female talent at every stage.”
Let’s Talk about it…
- If women make up nearly 40% of the procurement workforce, why are they still underrepresented in leadership?
- What would your organisation look like if it fully leveraged the strategic, collaborative, and innovative strengths women bring to procurement?
- Are your DEI policies performative or transformative?
At Procurement Heads we believe in rewarding relationships. We are not here to simply fill your vacancies. Our expert consultants will partner with your organisation, asking the right questions and holding you accountable for the growth of your people. That, we believe, is how you can make the most of your Procurement Function and support the growth of your business.
With deep sector expertise and a proven track record of placing high-performing professionals, especially in leadership and specialist roles, we understand what makes procurement teams successful.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion means we actively champion underrepresented talent, helping you build teams that reflect the future of procurement. Whether you’re scaling fast or seeking strategic hires, we bring insight, integrity, and impact to every search.
Partner with Procurement Heads and gain access to top-tier talent, strategic insight, and a recruitment process built around your success. Whether you’re hiring for growth, transformation, or leadership, we’re here to help.
👉 Get in touch with us today → https://www.procurementheads.com/contact-us/
