There’s a growing number of freelance buyers. How do you view this trend, and what are the benefits for procurement departments in large companies?
This shift is undeniable and reflects a broader transformation of the world of work. The rise of freelancing is happening across all departments, and procurement is no exception. For procurement departments, the increasing number of freelance buyers brings several advantages:
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Advanced and up-to-date skills: Freelancers are committed to continuous learning and upskilling through their assignments, which keeps them at the forefront of topics such as artificial intelligence or sustainable procurement.
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Greater flexibility: They manage their own schedules and choose their projects, offering companies the agility they need to respond to fluctuating demands.
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Niche expertise: Specialized skills—once the domain of consulting firms, such as energy procurement—are now directly accessible through freelancers.
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Internal upskilling: Beyond managing projects, freelancers can pass on their know-how to in-house teams to ensure continuity once their assignment ends. They can also provide training and share best practices gathered from other organizations.
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Fresh perspective: By working on diverse projects, freelancers bring new ideas that help optimize processes and methods.
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Commercial acumen: Their ability to “sell” their procurement expertise—an essential part of being independent—can benefit the entire department. The way they promote their skills to future clients helps raise the profile of the procurement function as a whole.
Procurement freelancers are often seen as a lever for flexibility. What advice would you give to procurement departments to make the most of this without compromising project quality or team cohesion?
The most important thing is transparency from the very beginning. It’s essential to clearly define:
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The scope of the assignment: Avoid overselling the role just to attract the “best” freelancer—this can lead to disappointment and early departures. Instead, seek the right expertise by clearly outlining the mission’s actual needs.
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Timelines and expectations: Anticipate potential extensions or changes to the mission. For example, informing a freelancer of an extension just two weeks before the end of their contract can create frustration.
These practices help ensure a smooth collaboration that aligns with both the company’s and the freelancer’s expectations.
What major challenges do companies face when integrating freelance buyers, and how can they overcome them?
Honestly, I don’t see any major challenges. The strength of freelance buyers lies in their prior experience in procurement roles. They understand the importance of business relationships, respect contracts, and ensure flawless service continuity.
However, there are a few points to watch out for—especially around mutual respect for roles and responsibilities. Procurement departments must ensure their commitments to freelancers are clearly defined and honored to avoid potential friction.
What advice would you give to freelance buyers looking to stand out to large companies?
Two key pieces of advice:
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Have a clear and focused offering: Too many freelance buyers, often multi-skilled, dilute their value proposition with messaging that’s too generic. Instead, adopt an approach centered around specific areas of expertise. This makes it easier for large companies to understand what you bring to the table—and helps you stand out.
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Invest in your training: Procurement is constantly evolving. Staying up to date with the latest trends or mastering your niche is essential to consistently deliver long-term value.
Finding the Best Procurement Freelancers on LittleBig Connection
The rise of procurement freelancers is reshaping how large companies operate. Procurement departments can now benefit from up-to-date skills, unmatched flexibility, and niche expertise. Freelance buyers are becoming strategic partners to procurement teams. To fully capitalize on this trend, transparency, planning ahead, and honoring commitments are essential.
The future of procurement lies in talent diversity—and freelancers are at the heart of this transformation. In a context where 83% of organizations report a lack of internal skills for strategic projects, and the number of freelancers in France has doubled over the past decade to reach 1.2 million, LittleBig Connection makes it easy for large companies to contract with independent experts.
Through its marketplace, LittleBig Connection helps businesses find the right expert, at the right time, in the right place—turning today’s talent challenges into real drivers of growth and innovation.
