Demand for procurement contractors remains strong across Australia, with organisations increasingly turning to flexible talent solutions to support major projects, transformation programs and capability gaps.
Contractor volumes finished 2025 at levels above those seen in previous years, according to Ilsa Cozens from specialist procurement and supply chain recruitment agency Cozens Mabel, with momentum continuing through the first half of 2026.
This trend points to a growing reliance on contract and temporary talent as organisations seek to balance workforce flexibility with access to specialised expertise.
Large-scale programs across energy, utilities, construction and infrastructure continue to drive demand for procurement and commercial professionals, says Cozens.
These project-based environments often require rapid access to skilled resources, making contractors an attractive option for organisations looking to scale capability quickly and efficiently.
This echoes a recent update from Steve Jamieson, Director of Contracting at Jigsaw Talent Management, who said Australia’s procurement and commercial contracting market remained “extremely active” across April and May, with strong demand continuing across several sectors.
“What is becoming increasingly clear is that this trend is unlikely to slow any time soon,” he said.
“As businesses continue to consolidate, acquire and aggregate spend, demand for experienced procurement and commercial professionals remains strong.”
The rise in contractor demand comes as employers across Australia continue to grapple with skills shortages.
According to the Hays Salary Guide FY26/27, 82 percent of organisations reported skills shortages over the past 12 months, highlighting the ongoing challenge of securing experienced talent in a competitive market.
Procurement is no exception, with organisations increasingly seeking specialists who can support procurement transformation initiatives, strategic sourcing programs, supplier risk management and digital procurement projects.
Demand is also growing for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, data analytics and procurement technology as businesses look to modernise procurement functions and unlock greater value from data.
The growing focus on digital capability aligns with broader workforce trends also identified by Hays.
The salary guide found that 60 percent of employees are now using artificial intelligence regularly at work, demonstrating the rapid pace at which new technologies are being adopted across Australian workplaces.
For many organisations, contractors provide a practical way to access these emerging skills while internal capability continues to develop, with only 22 percent of employees saying they have had formal AI training.
Economic uncertainty is also contributing to demand, according to Cozens, as businesses seek immediate expertise without the long-term commitments associated with permanent hires.
Cozens confirmed that candidate interest in contracting is increasing, with more professionals across all career levels actively pursuing contract opportunities, which is helping to support the increasing demand for flexible talent solutions.
