EP 52: Why so many Procurement Professionals are Burning Out

EP 52: Why so many Procurement Professionals are Burning Out Burnout in procurement is becoming more common, especially as the role continues to evolve and expectations increase. In this episode, we explore burnout in procurement careers, the causes, early warning signs and what it means for procurement professionals and leaders today. Burnout in procurement is becoming more common. And it’s not always for the reasons we think. In this episode of Procurement Pivots, we explore why burnout is showing up more across procurement careers and what is really driving it. We discuss: Why burnout in procurement is increasing as the role continues to evolve The pressure to constantly prove value and why this adds to the challenge Why burnout is not just about long hours or workload How misalignment and the wrong environment can lead to burnout over time The impact of isolation, particularly at more senior levels Early warning signs including decision fatigue, withdrawal and changes in behaviour How burnout affects confidence, relationships and decision making What to look out for in your team as a leader Why high performers can often be most at risk The importance of recognising the signs early and taking action This episode builds on many of the themes we’ve explored across the podcast around pressure, expectations and progression in procurement careers. Because burnout doesn’t always come from doing too much. It often comes from carrying too much for too long. Join our live interactive workshop (15th July): "6 Ways to Elevate Your Impact and Progression As a Procurement Leader in 2026" Sign up here: https://procurementpivots.com/home-page Hosted by: Donna Bowden | Procurement Career Coach, Narrate Your Career Laura Sellers | Executive and Leadership Coach, Coaching for Procurement 🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly episodes on procurement careers, leadership and progression 🎧 Listen on Apple and Spotify If this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Comment below and share your thoughts or experiences And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. #procurement #burnout #leadership #careerdevelopment #procurementcareers #supplychain #leadershipdevelopment #professionalgrowth