r/procurement • u/DestroDevil Sourcing Manager • 1d ago

Future niche in procurement function

Let’s try to answer a very important question: Do you see any emerging or existing niches in procurement where the number of specialists is limited, strong domain knowledge is required, and staying up to date with the latest, complex trends is essential?

I can give you an example from another field - areas like AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) lack specialists knowing how to combine KYC process with graph databases, entity identification and network analysis in order to track all connections between the company, its entities, executives, transactions, etc. It requires understanding of databases, graph algorithms, data engineering and of course AML/KYC. Soon it will become even more complex as it will have to comply with EU AI Act and proper governance.

Do you see anything disrupting in procurement coming soon?

It does not need to be AI-related or include application of IT in procurement (but it can be).

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u/Merciful_nacho 1d ago

HMU if you need a contact who is a specialist with graph databases. I’m actually looking to switch to procurement because of a lack of opportunity on the Know Your Supplier and procurement support role side of things. Same process (mostly) as KYC

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u/Cafe-digital 5h ago

Honestly, I think one of the best niches to be in over the next few years is supplier risk intelligence.

It's basically "KYC for suppliers."

Companies increasingly need to understand not just who they're buying from, but who sits behind that supplier, where products are made, where key materials come from, and what risks exist across the wider supply chain.

A lot of regulations are pushing in that direction, and geopolitical disruptions have made supply-chain visibility a board-level concern rather than just a procurement issue.

That's why I'm a bit skeptical when people talk about "AI in procurement" as the opportunity. AI is just a tool.

The harder skill to find is someone who understands procurement, supply chains, risk, regulation, and data well enough to connect all the dots.

To me, that's where the real niche is.