The Human Element in a World of AI: The Parallels between Recruitment and Procurement

Last week, I joined fellow recruitment leaders to discuss the growing role of AI and automation in our industry. The conversation sparked a realisation: the parallels between recruitment and our specialist market – Digital Procurement and Supply Chain – are striking, particularly when it comes to the impact of technology.

Both recruitment and procurement stand to gain significantly from this new wave of tech. We see similar opportunities for:

• Increased efficiency: Automating routine tasks frees up valuable time to focus on more strategic activities that add real value.?
• Enhanced sourcing: AI can revolutionize how we find and engage talent and suppliers.??
• Improving areas like research and compliance: Streamlining these critical processes.
• Market disruption: AI has the potential to transform high-volume, transactional activities, much like how it's impacting areas like tail spend in procurement.

However, and this was a key point I was able to share with the group, the human element remains paramount in both professions. My research into the future of digital skills in procurement has reinforced this. In a world of increasing automation, these human-centric skills become even more valuable:

• Relationship building: Nurturing vital bonds transcends technological advancements.
• Building Trust: Earning credibility and confidence.
• Niche expertise: A deep understanding of specific markets or business areas is vital to professional credibility.
• Strategic advice: Providing valuable insights and guidance.
• Critical thinking: Solving complex problems and making sound judgments.

I'm excited, not threatened, by the potential of AI and automation in recruitment. I believe most procurement professionals should feel the same about their opportunities as indeed should many other professions. These technologies will enable us to become even better at what we do. I embrace the challenge of developing my digital skills. Still, I'm also confident that our model of deep expertise, laser focus on a niche market, and emphasis on human-to-human relationships will remain essential.

The key takeaway for everyone – recruiters, procurement professionals, sales, presales, and all those working in the digital procurement space – is this: Strive for excellence in your core skills. Develop an intimate knowledge of your area of expertise to build rock-solid professional credibility. And, crucially, prioritize the development of those uniquely human skills that cannot be automated.

So with all this in mind, what sets us apart is our combination of deep expertise in digital procurement and supply chain and our ability to build trust with top talent globally. If you're a business leader seeking this unique blend of skills in an advisor, I'd be happy to discuss your hiring plans, recruitment strategy or any specific needs you may have. Please send me a private message.

Want to learn more about the critical skills for success in digital procurement? Check out our research: https://edburydaley.com/the-future-of-procurement-digital-skills/?

Thanks to Becky Condon , Moya Rylands , Samantha Hurley and Steve Carter FRSA from APSCo , Simon Malpas , my fellow expert recruiter Iain Brassell from ISR Recruitment and everyone else who attended for a very enjoyable afternoon, I look forward to the next one.

#AI #Recruitment #Procurement #DigitalSkills #HumanSkills #FutureOfWork Edbury Daley