New research shows that Quality of Hire remains the top priority for procurement leaders

The procurement landscape is evolving, driven by technology, business demand updates, and a growing need for agility and adaptability in changing times.

One factor stands out as the most crucial metric for procurement leaders through this evolution: Quality of hire. A new research report from Guidant Global with data from 240+ UK procurement leaders demonstrates that the ability to secure high-quality talent remains the gold standard for measuring recruitment and talent success.

Quality of Hire leads ROI and KPIs

Survey data reveals that when procurement leaders measure the return on investment (ROI) of their recruitment strategies, quality of hire is the clear top priority for 27% of respondents. This ranks higher than other important factors, even cost savings (21%) at a time of global uncertainty and rising costs.

Other factors still rank as important - candidate experience (19%), time-to-hire improvements (17%), and hiring manager satisfaction (13%). It's reassuring to note that only 4% admitted that they do not track ROI at all as accountability no doubt grows. However, the fact that these organisations still exist highlights an opportunity for improved recruitment processes in the UK.

When evaluating recruitment solutions, procurement leaders are even more focused: A significant 64% name quality of hire as their leading Key Performance Indicator (KPI). This is significantly higher than cost (50%), speed of delivery (42%), and technology capability (41%).

What is Quality of Hire and how is it measured?

Quality of Hire is simply the measure of how well new employees contribute to an organisation’s success. It’s not just about filling roles; it’s about ensuring that new hires add value, perform effectively, and align with company culture and objectives.

In other words, quality of hire confirms that recruitment isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the lasting impact the right people make once they join the team.

Measuring quality of hire is often carried out by tracking key indicators such as new hire performance ratings, retention rates, and the speed at which employees reach productivity benchmarks. Organisations may also evaluate feedback from hiring managers and team members to assess how well new hires align with ‘company culture’ and their overall contributions to meeting business objectives.

Why does Quality of Hire matter the most in recruitment?

Quality of hire is vital for recruitment success because finding the right talent is directly tied to business success. High-quality hires deliver better performance, drive innovation, and help organisations ensure that they’re competitive in an increasingly complex environment. Procurement leaders understand that a recruitment strategy focused on quality not only fills roles but also ensures that those roles are filled by individuals who can make a meaningful impact.

In addition, the report shows that leaders prioritising quality of hire are also leveraging technology - such as AI and data analytics - to boost effectiveness. 86% of leaders using these tools widely report that their recruitment models are highly effective and well-aligned with business goals, compared to just 52% of all respondents.

The role of Quality of Hire in services procurement

Quality of Hire is equally – if not more - relevant in services procurement, where organisations rely on external talent to deliver critical projects and outcomes.

In this context, ensuring the right individuals or teams are engaged directly impacts service quality, project delivery, and business results. Procurement leaders must evaluate not just cost and speed, but the expertise, cultural fit, and the value that service providers bring to the table, whether that’s long term or short term.

By prioritising Quality of Hire in services procurement, companies can enhance collaboration, drive innovation, and ultimately maximise the ROI from every procurement decision.

Prioritising Quality of Hire for future success

To remain competitive, procurement leaders must continue to prioritise quality of hire for all team members, implement rigorous measurement standards, and invest in digital solutions that enhance recruitment outcomes.

Organisations that focus on hiring the best talent will be best positioned to achieve operational excellence and long-term business objectives.

Do you want further insights into what’s shaping procurement and recruitment strategies in 2026 and beyond?

Download the full research report, "Trends and Transformations in Procurement," to explore comprehensive survey data from over 240 UK procurement leaders.

Discover key trends in strategic workforce planning, technology adoption including AI, data analytics and automation in procurement, measuring recruitment ROI, and the evolving expectations for recruitment partners.